Delegates attending UUP’s 2007 Fall Delegate Assembly received an update on the union’s continuing contract talks with New York state.

UUP Chief Negotiator and Vice President for Academics Frederick Floss said the negotiations are moving forward, with the major issue of health benefits coming under discussion. He said the state came back to the table with a new proposal on health care benefits to replace an earlier proposal that Floss described as “draconian.” He asked the delegates for their wholehearted support as talks continue.

“When all of us stand together, we’re going to get a contract that’s good for our members,” Floss said.

Floss said all issues remained under discussion between negotiators for UUP and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

Floss noted how valuable the contents of about 8,000 suggestion forms from members are to the Negotiations Team. He explained the member comments built evidence for the need for the union’s contract proposals.

“They’ve led the process forward,” he said.

At the same time, Floss cautioned the delegates about rumors they may hear on the progress or obstacles in the state’s negotiations with its other public employee bargaining units. New York state is concurrently negotiating with almost all of the unions representing state employees. Floss went on to say that he is in contact with many of the state’s public employee unions.

“This is going to be a crucial time, and you are all a part of it,” he told the delegates.

Floss thanked Negotiations Team members for their hard work and dedication in advocating for the union’s proposals. He noted that Team members gave up their summer, often working from 8 a.m. till midnight to complete their work.

During a question-and-answer period following Floss’ presentation, delegate Malcolm Nelson of SUNY Fredonia noted the successful outcome of past negotiations. Specifically, he pointed to UUP’s “leading the way” in getting full health care benefits for part-time faculty.

UUP President William Scheuerman said UUP is looking to continue that record of success, with the Team ready to engage in intensive talks at the negotiating table to bring negotiators to an agreement.

“We have the opportunity to get a good contract that meets our standards,” he said.

Despite the absence of a new contract, UUP’s former agreement with the state that expired July 1 remains in effect until a new agreement is reached, and that agreement is ratified by UUP’s membership.

The expired contract also provides another round of discretionary salary increases (DSI) for bargaining unit members. However, campus presidents must distribute the money no later than Dec. 31. DSI increases are retroactive to July 1, 2007, or Sept. 1, 2007, in accordance with the member’s term of obligation.

The distribution of DSI varies by campus. Members can direct questions to their campus human resources department.

— Donald Feldstein