Saying downstate members need competitive salaries, UUP VP for Academics Fred Floss spoke out for economic justice during a recent rally in Manhattan. PEF members also joined the call for cost-of-living pay increases.

“Our members urgently need a cost-of-living increase in their next contract that enables them to keep up with the steadily escalating costs of housing and other necessities,” said Floss, UUP’s chief negotiator.

“If our members cannot afford to live downstate, the impact on metropolitan and Long Island colleges, universities, hospitals and health science centers would be devastating,” Floss added. He warned the result could be a shortage of skilled labor.

UUP is continuing contract negotiations with the state, Floss said. The union is seeking cost-of-living adjustments for downstate members.

— Donald Feldstein