UUP members who believe their workload has increased significantly can turn to their union contract for help.

The 2007-2011 Agreement between New York State and United University Professions covers terms and conditions of employment, including provisions for any unilateral increase in work. For professionals, the contract includes language on performance programs, evaluations and promotions to deal with additional duties and responsibilities. And while there is no uniform standard for the number of courses academics may be asked to teach, the contract does include “extra service” language that could lead to additional compensation.

“In these difficult economic times, many of our members are being asked to take on extra duties and responsibilities. They should know that their union is here to assist them,” said UUP?President Phillip Smith. “But we need to know about any workload creep in order to help.”

In light of the urgency created by budget cuts, Smith is urging members to notify him directly with concrete examples of increases in workload, especially those that are the direct result of budget cuts to SUNY. UUP’s statewide officers will then look into the matter more closely and take appropriate action.

“The bottom line: No one should take on additional work without some form of compensation, whether it be money or a reduction in other duties and responsibilities that make up an employee’s professional obligation or performance program,” Smith said.

“It may not seem like a burden at first, but the more you do, the more you’ll be expected to do,” said UUP?Vice President for Professionals John Marino.

Added Vice President for Academics Frederick Floss, “No good deed goes unpunished. If you do take on extra duties, you may find you’re expected to continue them.”

— Karen L. Mattison