Chapter leaders and statewide officers met prior to the start of the Winter DA for updates and discussions on matters of both statewide and local concern. More than 50 union leaders heard updates on the state budget and legislative outreach events, and raised issues that affect members.
Describing the weeks ahead as the most crucial to the future of SUNY, UUP President Phillip Smith stressed the dangers inherent in the proposed state budget. He promised that UUP, with leaders’ help, will do everything in its power to safeguard the University and the union. But he warned that UUP’s outreach efforts must include visits to lawmakers by more members than ever, both in Albany and in the districts.
“We need to get our people in to speak with legislators in Albany as soon as possible,” Smith said. “We have to grab legislators’ hearts and minds right now, so when it comes time for them to make tough decisions, we’ve planted our concerns in their brains.”
UUP opposes the governor’s proposals to cut the state subsidy to the teaching hospitals; eliminate raises and lag members’ pay; add a new tier to the state’s pension systems; merge the New York State Theatre Institute with The Egg; and increase Medicare Part B premiums.
“If you can only get members to come to Albany for one day, then tell them to come for one day,” Smith said. “And if they can’t come at all, then make arrangements to see legislators in their district offices.”
Chapter issues discussed
Leaders took time to ask questions and share concerns about issues on their campuses, ranging from SUNY flexibility and strategic planning initiatives to violence in the workplace.
Purchase Chapter President John Delate questioned UUP’s opposition to proposed SUNY flexibility legislation that is favored by most campus administrations. Smith noted that UUP would support legislation that does not remove legislative oversight for SUNY transactions.
“You only have to look to Wall Street to see what happens when you eliminate rules and regulations and let managers run amok,” Smith said. “We have to protect SUNY from that.”
Ditto to legislation that backs the University at Buffalo’s strategic planning initiative. Smith said the union supports the goal of growing the University, but the A./S.20/20 plan is not the way to do it. The proposed legislation lacks oversight and employment protections.
“This is a dangerous bill as it is now written and we must fight to defeat it,” Smith said.
Workplace violence
Binghamton Chapter President Darryl Wood questioned guidelines and regulations for training in workplace and domestic violence.
“Unions are an entry point for victims of workplace and domestic violence,” Wood said. “We need to learn how to help them.”
Leaders were informed that UUP is pursuing an executive order urging state agencies to submit plans and work with unions in this area. It was noted that SUNY and UUP have worked together on implementing training programs on several campuses, but that more work needs to be done.
Smith said the UUP/NYSUT labor relations specialists are ready to discuss this issue at chapters.
— Karen L. Mattison