Author: Mary Vetter

Register now!

Visit the UUP website for more information: https://uupinfo.org/awards/

Visit the UUP website for more information: https://uupinfo.org/awards/

UUP Empire State Chapter retirees held their first luncheon this summer at Puglia Restaurant, 189 Hester Street, New York City. The event was held on August 8th.

Empire State Chapter Officer for Retirees, Brenda Henry-Offer was instrumental in coordinating the event. In attendance were Mario Henry, Florence McCue, Edna Bornstein, Eric Russell, Hillary Zaenchick, Victor Jordan, Tom Kerr, Jay Gilbert, Tom Grunfeld and of course Brenda!

The group hopes to plan more events, so stay tuned for more retiree activities. Make sure that we have your correct home email address by emailing the chapter at: empire@uupmail.org. More pictures are available on our Face Book page: Empire State Chapter on Facebook

IDA awards are one way in which full or part-time employees can support their professional development/activities. Any member of the bargaining unit (faculty and professional employees) can apply.

Two cycles have been scheduled.

Cycle #1 includes activities between July 1 and December 31, 2025. Applications for funding of activities during that period are due by October 17.

Cycle #2 includes activities between January 1 and June 30, 2026. Applications for funding of activities during that period are due by March 15.

Please read Carl Burkart’s announcement for more details. Links to IDA guidelines and application are also posted here for your use.

IDA Announcement by Carl Burkart IDA Chair

IDA Guidelines

IDA Application

In preparation for upcoming contract negotiations, UUP will be hosting a series of virtual meetings for our members.  UUP has scheduled a session for the Empire State Chapter on September 15^th at 4 pm.This will be a joint session with members from UUP’s System Admin and Geneseo Chapters.

Take the Contract Negotiations Survey!

We strongly encourage you to complete this contract survey: UUP Empire State Contract Negotiations Survey 2025 .  Your responses will help our negotiations team better understand the priorities of our members for the upcoming contract.

Register for this Contract Meeting!

• To attend you need to use this registration link by 09/14/25.  Registration will close 24 hours before the sessions are held.
• If you cannot attend our chapter meeting, you can also use the link to register for one of the three statewide makeup sessions.  Those makeup dates are: 9/16, 9/19 and 9/22.
• You will receive the Zoom information 1-2 days prior to the meeting.  Please remember to check your spam and/or junk folders for this email.
•  Once you receive the link, make sure you save it to your calendar!
• If you do not receive the Zoom information by the morning of the meeting you registered for, please contact the chapter office and our chapter assistant will be able to assist you. (empire@uupmail.org)

We look forward to seeing you at this meeting!

UUP is having a virtual webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 12:00pm regarding Braces vs Invisalign.

Learn more about the differences, cost, timelines, treatment from Dr. Berenshteyn. You may use this link to register.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF9Ro6Ayvt9IO88KuFMqXoiGip-6HOpNfdg0P6amzOjb8HIA/viewform

WHAT A DEAL! (2cards, good for 1year)

BJ’s has dropped a NEW BJ’s member price for new UUP Members

Just in from SUNY Empire:

The Flex Spending Account (FSA) Open Enrollment Campaign for the 2023 plan year begins November 1 and ends December 12, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET.  This deadline is strictly enforced.  If you are enrolled for the 2022 plan year, you must re-enroll to continue your benefits in 2023. 

The FSA program consists of three important benefits for employees:

• the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA – for at least half-time, annually paid employees only)
• the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)
• the Adoption Advantage Account

Eligible employees may choose to enroll in any or all of the accounts. This flyer includes additional information about eligibility and the available accounts.  Please note, if you become inactive on payroll, your enrollment in the FSA is automatically discontinued and it is your responsibility to re-enroll when you return to active status.

To enroll, submit your application online here or by telephone at 1-800-358-7202.  You will need your NYS Employee ID number, located on your paystub, to complete your application.

For questions, or more information, please call 800-358-7202 or e-mail fsa@oer.ny.gov or visit oer.ny.gov/FSA

From Fred Kowal:

On Wednesday, November 2nd at 6pm labor unions and supporters from across the Capital Region will rally at the Albany Labor Temple in support of Gov. Kathy Hochul, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and the rest of the slate of candidates endorsed by UUP and NYSUT. This is a critical election for our members. We have developed a strong and productive relationship with the Governor and her team. In the final stretch we must show up, speak up, and vote.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UR_w6qIDMnbf5Zmy5kyPs-rDLbrTeLX0HWeeYXqh85g/edit

Please wear your UUP red! If you need a UUP t-shirt, please email Celine Mell at cmell@uupmail.org to coordinate.

Hope to see you there!