The check isn’t in the mail anymore — at least not for most UUP members.
Gov. David Paterson has signed the legislation which authorized the Office of the State Comptroller to release the public funds to cover pay increases due members as part of the 2007-2011 contract between UUP and New York state.

“At last, our hard-working members are receiving their due,” said UUP President Phillip Smith. “I want to applaud our members for their patience during an unprecedented change in governors and their staffs, in awaiting passage of the pay bill by the Legislature, then finally the new governor’s signature. And I thank them for their continued support.”

The state Legislature approved the pay bill in mid-June and the governor signed it into law June 18. The state Comptroller’s Office issued pay bulletins starting June 26 that detailed the schedule for increases negotiated as part of the 2007-2011 agreement.

Three percent retroactive salary increases — dating July 2, 2007 or Sept. 1, 2007, (depending on the member’s term of professional obligation) — were included in the July 23 checks for eligible employees.

Three percent raises for eligible employees is effective July 2, 2008 or Sept. 1, 2008. The raises are based on the term of professional obligation. UUP members on a 21-pay period pay schedule — not the usual 26-pay period schedule — will receive raises in their Sept. 17 checks.

Members are encouraged to go to http://uupinfo.org/payinfo.html for detailed information about the pay bill. Members should also check their payroll statements to ensure they received raises due them.

Members with questions regarding the pay bill and pay bill payments should first discuss them with their campus payroll office. Members can also address pay bill issues with their campus human resources department, their UUP chapter office and UUP.

— Michael Lisi