Organized in the early 1970s, the union now represents approximately
21,000 members throughout the State, and is affiliated with the New York
State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers
(AFT), and through these organizations, with the American Federation of
Labor/Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL/CIO). The entire UUP
Statewide constitutes one large local of NYSUT, Local 2190.
There are 33 chapters within the UUP, including two at the University at
Buffalo: the Buffalo Center Chapter and the Buffalo Health Sciences
Chapter. The former represents faculty & professional staff in the
College of Arts and Sciences, the Educational Opportunity Center, the Law
School, Engineering School, Schools of Social Work and Information and
Library Studies, Graduate School of Education, University Services, and
all other non-health science-related departments. The other chapter
represents the Medical School, Dental School, and all the health-related
professional schools.
Buffalo Center Chapter represents about 3000 people, among whom about 2000
are members, while the Health Science Chapter represents another 950
people, including 800 members.
Membership rights and responsibilities: No one is compelled to join the
UUP. However, the union is legally obligated to provide contractual
protections, including negotiated raises, benefits, and grievance
representation, to non-members, and non-members are obligated to pay
"agency fees." As a member, you have the democratic right to vote on the
contracts and on your union officers. You can also participate in local
Chapter meetings, which may affect your terms and conditions of
employment, and take part in committee work within the chapter or
State-wide.
Under the New York State "Taylor Law," State employees may not legally go on strike, but if our contract runs out before a new one is negotiated, the State must extend the old contractual rights, unlike the situation in private industry, where employers may fire people or cut their pay as soon as a contract expires.
The union negotiates
contracts, which determine minimum salary rates,
health benefits, a grievance procedure, and many of the rights that we now
have, including free parking, tuition-free courses (on space-available
terms), and Individual
Development Awards.
The union also negotiates agreements
with the State regarding evaluation
and promotion procedures, including the Memorandum of Understanding
between the University and UUP relating to a system of
Evaluation and Promotion for Professional Employees.
The union administers some of the health benefits; at
present, this includes dental insurance and vision care.
The union sponsors many projects here at UB, for example: voter registration drives; Take Our Daughters to Work Day; career development workshops; and funds scholarships for SUNY students.
The UUP Chapter holds regular Membership meetings, at least once a
semester, and special meetings when needed. For example, before
negotiations for each contract begin, there is a special meeting on the
contract.
The UUP Chapter also holds regular chapter board and
labor-management meetings.
The UUP Chapter has a listserve, UBUUP-L,
where union members can learn
quickly
about union news and concerns.
The Chapter has a department representative system, which
facilitates communication between members and officers,
and organizes members throughout the campus. To find out who your
department rep is, or to volunteer, please contact Pat Donovan.
The Chapter has a number of standing and ad hoc committees to deal with
issues on campus. For more information contact the chapter secretary,
Christine Black.
The Chapter is looking for more activists, people who are interested in
improving the climate on campus for our members, people who want to see a
more democratic and just workplace, and people who want to help in labor's
struggle for a fairer world.
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Index
Last Updated July 15, 2005