August 19, 2022

UUP’s telecommuting agreement with the state has been extended through the end of 2022.

The agreement, which allows UUP bargaining unit members to telecommute “where it is reasonable to do so based on the University’s mission,” has been extended to Dec. 31.

The extension includes no new changes to the previous telecommuting program. UUP was one of the first unions in the U.S. to secure a telecommuting policy for its members; the initial program was signed March 13, 2020.

“The continuation of this policy is necessary given the unpredictability of COVID and the ability of this highly infectious disease to mutate and create variants,” said UUP President Fred Kowal. “We will continue working with SUNY to implement this agreement, and we will continue to fight for it to be extended further as we progress in talks for a new contract with the state.”

According to the policy, the telecommuting program was put in place “to support implementation of telecommuting programs, where desired, establish guidelines designed to clearly articulate employee and campus expectations, and provide an additional vehicle for employee development while offering campus management the flexibility to operate a successful telecommuting program and plan for future workforce needs.”

You can read the full agreement HERE.