SUNY Potsdam. Photo: Julia Ritchey
The union representing 42,000 faculty and staff at the State University of New York has ratified a new five-year contract with New York State.
The United University Professions contract was supported by 98% of its members. It includes pay raises in each year of the agreement and upgrades to health benefits. In a press release, union president Fred Kowal called the deal “a solid agreement with the state that will provide our members with fair compensation, increased job protections and security for the future.”
SUNY maintains seven campuses in the North Country in Watertown, Canton, Potsdam, Plattsburgh, Malone, Saranac Lake, and Glens Falls. The university system is a major economic driver in the region.
In a statement, Governor Kathy Hochul praised the deal as “a worthy investment in New York State’s future.”