September 24, 2026
UUP Plattsburgh Chapter members can make a difference in the midterms by joining get-out-the vote efforts in the countdown weeks to the Nov. 3 election, to support candidates who back UUP’s ideals and issues.
“We have to step up now and knock on doors,” Kowal told more than 100 members who packed a room in the campus center for a wide-ranging address that covered the new contract with the state, new choices in dental benefits and the urgent need for a strong showing on behalf of congressional and state candidates endorsed by the NYS AFL-CIO and NYSUT. UUP participated in the endorsement process by both affiliates.
Kowal recounted a recent conversation with Gov. Kathy Hochul in which he told her “…our members are ready to go out—and we are.” Kowal and the governor spoke at Hochul’s annual Labor Appreciation Reception Sept. 9 and talked with her at a Sept. 19 labor rally for her reelection in Albany.
Many opportunities to help
Members in the North Country, the Capital Region and Central New York have seven opportunities between Sept. 29 and Oct. 24—the starting date for early voting—to participate in labor walks or phone banks on behalf of Blake Gendebien, the Democratic candidate in the North Country’s 21st Congressional District. That district includes Plattsburgh.
The Oct. 24 Capital District Area Labor Federation walk will also support Carrie Woerner, a good friend to UUP and the Democratic incumbent running for reelection in the 113th Assembly District—which includes portions of Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties. The Oct. 10 Central New York Labor Council canvass will also support Jonathan Lipe, the Democratic candidate for the 119th Assembly District in Oneida County. Go HERE for a list of labor walks and phone banking opportunities.
Congressional races are key
The 21st Congressional District race is a key contest in the Democrats’ effort to take control of the House of Representatives. Democrat Gendebien is running against the Trump-endorsed Republican, Anthony Constantino. New York has five such key congressional races, and Kowal invoked the importance of halting the move to authoritarianism at the federal level as he urged members to get involved.
“I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of doing this,” Kowal said at the close of the meeting. “We have the opportunity to grab back power, but we’ve got to show up. We’ve built up political capital; we’ve built up political strength. Now we need to deliver on that capitol.”
Contract, dental plan
Kowal spoke to Plattsburgh Chapter members about UUP’s new five-year contract, which includes a 4.5% raise set to hit paychecks Oct. 7. Read more about the contract HERE and HERE.
He also highlighted a new preferred provider organization (PPO) dental plan from MetLife Dental that is open to members. The MetLife plan will be available starting Jan. 1, 2027. UUP will continue to offer its Delta Dental PPO plan.
Open enrollment for both plans started Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 31.
Members who are enrolled in Delta’s Dental PPO plan and want to continue with the plan don’t have to do anything. Your dental insurance will continue uninterrupted.
Members who choose to switch to MetLife’s Dental PPO plan must fill out UUP’s open enrollment change form. Click HERE to access the form.
Contact UUP’s Benefits Department at Benefits@uupmail.org or 800-887-3863 with questions.