University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

All members of United University Professions, the union representing faculty and professional staff at UB, likely are aware of the salary compensation awarded in the 2007-11 contract agreement between New York State and UUP.

But many may not be aware of a few new benefits in the contract that were not publicized as widely as the salary increases. These “quality of life” benefits are aimed at enhancing the work life of SUNY faculty and staff, including those at UB, according to Jennifer Bowen, assistant vice president for human resources, who, as a member of the state bargaining committee, helped to negotiate the current contract.

The benefits:

• Full-time Service Award. Employees receive a $500 increase to their base salary at the time of permanent or continuing appointment, or a second five-year term appointment.

• Part-time Service Award. Part-time employees receive a $500 lump-sum payment after eight years of consecutive service at one campus.

• Dependent Tuition Benefit. Dependent children of union members who are admitted to and pursuing undergraduate studies at any of SUNY’s state-operated campuses are eligible to receive a $750 scholarship each semester. Students must meet all normal admission requirements and maintain a “C” average.

• The number of sick days that are available for use by members for family leave has increased from 15 to 30 days a year. SUNY is also encouraging campuses to be more flexible in accommodating the family-care needs of employees.

• The creation of a Voluntary Reduction in Work Schedule Program. The program allows an employee to voluntarily trade income for time off and reduce the number of hours he or she works in a week in order to have extra time to take care of personal or family needs.

• Expansion of the Pre-Tax Transportation Program statewide. Previously a pilot program in the New York City area, this program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain work-related transportation expenses. The benefit can be used in conjunction with the NFTA Metro Advantage program.

• Stopping the permanent appointment clock. Professional staff members, as well as faculty members, may now “stop the permanent appointment clock” and interrupt service credit toward permanent appointment without impacting their full-time status or professional title.

For more information on the UUP contract, contact the UUP offices at 645-2013 (Buffalo Center Chapter) or 829-3251 (Health Science Chapter), or University Human Resources at 645-7777.

—Sue Wuetcher