Colleagues,
Tonight, I received word from Fred Kowal that our contract has been officially ratified! What an extraordinary moment for all of us. Congratulations to each and every one of you. This achievement reflects your dedication, your solidarity, and your unwavering belief in the work we do.
Please join me in extending heartfelt thanks to Abigail Cooke, who served on the negotiations team. Her commitment, along with the entire team’s tireless efforts, has brought us to this historic win. They have done us all proud.
This contract brings stability and security in a volatile political environment, and it does so over a full five-year period. It is, without question, one of the richest contracts in UUP history—more than $3 billion in new money—and its impact will be felt across our campuses and communities.
A few highlights of what we have achieved together:
Across the Board increases over the next 5 years:
• July 2, 2026 – 4.5%
• July 1, 2027 – 4%
• July 1, 2028 – 3.5%
• July 1, 2029 – 3%
• July 1, 2030 – 3%
Part-time Academic course minimums will increase by $250 per 3-credit course for 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, escalating to $7000 at University Centers and HSCs.
Effective July 1, 2027, all full-time UUP bargaining unit members with a Master’s degree or higher will receive a $600 annual lump-sum payment. Eligible part-time members with at least a 0.5 FTE appointment will receive an annual $300 lump-sum payment.
We secured retention awards for both full-time and part-time employees, as well as a higher education stipend that recognizes and honors the academic achievements of our members.
We also lead the nation in establishing contract protections around Artificial Intelligence and successfully incorporated the Telecommuting Agreement directly into the contract.
Please see the overview document for a full summary of the negotiated changes. You will need to use your Member ID to login. If you do not know it, you can call the Benefits Trust Fund at 800-887-3863 to get your number and request a member ID card.
Thank you for your strength, your unity, and your belief in what we can accomplish together. Tonight, we celebrate not just a contract, but a powerful affirmation of our collective voice.
In solidarity,
Kat
Kathleen Kielar
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center