UUP/NYS Contract Update
May 12, 2008
What is the status of the 2007 and 2008 salary increases? What’s holding up the payment this year?
The entire process of implementing the new contract has been delayed because of the unexpected resignation of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and the subsequent change in state leadership that placed David Paterson in the governor’s office.
Despite those changes, the legal process to release public money for the salary increases – outlined in the 2007-2011 UUP/New York State Agreement – is moving forward.
Here’s how the process works. A “pay bill” – special legislation required for the release of those funds for salaries – is sent from the governor to the state Legislature.
Once lawmakers approve the pay bill and the governor signs it, the state comptroller’s office will take all administrative actions necessary to issue paychecks with salary increases included. The Comptroller will issue a payroll bulletin with pay check dates for the retroactive 2007 and prospective 2008 increases. UUP has been in frequent contact with the Comptroller to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible.
UUP and NYSUT have been pushing for pay bill passage since the agreement was ratified in March.
The unions will continue to push for payment until members receive retroactive pay and salary increases due them per the contract.
UUP will notify members and chapter leaders as soon as confirmed payroll dates are obtained. The information will also be posted on the UUP Web site (www.uupinfo.org) – under the tab labeled “Contract” at the top of the home page.