Amid such a daunting challenge, UUP cranked up its legislative outreach machinery in late January for an initial round of visits in Albany.

In keeping with its practice of focusing on specific issues, the union’s first outreach visits zeroed in on the fiscal crisis facing SUNY’s three teaching hospitals. Nearly 30 UUPers visited the offices of some three dozen state lawmakers.

Gestures of support

Members from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse got support from Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-N. Syracuse) before they even uttered a word.

“We’re doing all we can,” Stirpe told the UUPers as they entered his legislative office. Stripe was referring to efforts to secure additional funding for Upstate.

“We’re getting more patients and less state support,” Brian Tappen of Upstate told Stirpe in making the case for a $40 million increase in the state subsidy for the three SUNY hospitals. The governor’s proposed budget would cut the subsidy by $25 million.

“We’re relying too much on mandatory overtime to fill shifts we can’t hire for,” said Michael Lyon of Upstate, reflecting the dire financial situation the hospital is already facing.

Assemblyman William Barclay (R-Pulaski) minced no words when he met with five members from Upstate. “You have my support,” he said.

UUPers from Brooklyn HSC also made the rounds in Albany. Abe Gerecht told an aide for Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn) that their hospital treats many uninsured patients who would have nowhere else to go if Downstate is not adequately funded.

“Many other hospitals wouldn’t take our patients,” Gerecht said.

State lawmakers whose districts include Stony Brook HSC heard the same concerns.

Other issues presented

UUPers from five other chapters—Albany, Cortland, New Paltz, Oneonta and System Administration—joined their union brothers and sisters from the hospital chapters in Albany. The unionists pressed lawmakers for their support on other budgetary issues, which include eliminating the governor’s proposal to deny members their negotiated 3 percent salary increase this year, and fighting so-called flexibility legislation that would allow SUNY campuses to sell or lease property without legislative oversight.

— Donald Feldstein