Governor Hochul Highlights Ratification of 4-Year Labor Agreement with United University Professions

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a four-year labor agreement with the United University Professions, which includes over 37,000 SUNY system faculty and professional employees. The agreement, which runs until July 1, 2026, won the approval of 96.4 percent of UUP members who cast ballots.

"This contract fairly compensates the hard-working members of the United University Professions who provide critical expertise to benefit New York’s college students each day," Governor Hochul said. "I’m grateful to President Kowal for his partnership to help get this agreement finalized and to ensure that our talented employees' pay and benefits reflect their important contributions to our state."

The ratified contract includes raises in each year of the agreement consistent with other recently negotiated agreements. In addition, the contract includes other increases in compensation such as a lump sum bonus and up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. The contract also includes changes in the health insurance program that will encourage in-network employee utilization and help control health insurance costs. The contract also includes funding of labor-management initiatives.

United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D. “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this ratification vote, which saw an overwhelming majority of members who voted cast ballots in favor of the agreement. This is a contract rich with gains for all members, including our lowest-paid members, working parents and faculty and staff at our public teaching hospitals who risked their lives during the pandemic. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her willingness to negotiate a fair, equitable agreement that will benefit our 37,000 members.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “SUNY students and the communities we serve greatly benefit from the expertise and dedication of our faculty and professionals at SUNY’s campuses and hospitals. These individuals are committed to the success of our students and furthering their fields of study, while others are researchers and specialists devoted to addressing societal challenges or caring for patients—all with the common goal to make a difference in service to New York State. My thanks to President Kowal for his leadership, and my congratulations to our faculty and staff.”