UUP Binghamton

Individuals interested in applying for an IDA can apply via the web, http://www2.binghamton.edu/academics/provost/ida-application.html. Questions should be directed either to Kelly Wemette, kwemett@binghamton.edu, or Fran Goldman, frances@binghamton.edu.

The UUP Binghamton salary increases from last year are available. These include the Discretionary Salary Increases (DSI), the Supplementary Salary Increase (SSI) made by the administration using the DSI process, the 3% across-the-board increases, 1% increase for ORP contributors with more than 10 years service, and other salary increases, some at the discretion of the administration. The DSI split between Professionals and Academics was almost exactly according to the split in salary base. DSI increases ranged from a high of $13,600 to a low of $100.

The State of New York/United University Professions Professional Development Committees Individual Development Awards Program is intended to assist UUP-represented employees to develop their full professional potential and to prepare for advancement. The Individual Development Awards program is designed to support a variety of professional development activities by employees in the UUP Bargaining Unit. The maximum amount that can be awarded to an applicant for an activity under this program is $1,000. This announcement pertains to projects occurring between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

The Binghamton UUP Chapter Executive Board has followed the investigation into allegations regarding problems with the campus’ move into Division I sports and its Men’s Basketball program with some interest. We have discussed its implications since the Chancellor first announced Judge Kaye’s appointment as investigator. Other than assuring all members who have contacted us that we will do everything we can to protect their rights, we felt it premature to respond in any way until the investigation was completed.

Now that the report has been made public, see a copy at http://www.theithacajournal.com/assets/pdf/CB151716211.PDF, the Chapter feels obligated to respond. We discussed the findings at our recent February meeting and affirm the following principles:

The link to Haiti Relief is now live on UUP's Web site:
http://uupinfo.org/additions/relief.html and includes an opportunity to easily make a donation via PayPal.

Also, the information below from AFT illustrates other ways you can help.

The American Federation of Teachers expresses our heartfelt
sympathy for the victims of Haiti's Jan. 12 earthquake. The
country now faces the enormous task of reconstructing
communities that have been left without food, shelter, clean
water, schools, healthcare, power and transportation. The AFT
pledges to work with our partners to assist Haiti on its road to
recovery, and we ask for your support. Read more at
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/S7ztn111njAf/.

As the extent of the devastation in Haiti continues to unfold,

The AFT's public web site has been totally redesigned with improved navigation and lots of new features that not only will make it easier to find what you're looking for but also to share your voice and opinions on important issues in a variety of ways.
http://www.aft.org/yourwork/highered/
http://www.aft.org/

UUP has been made aware of an incident of potential fraud that may be aimed at ADJUNCTS. But others may be targeted, too.

One of our members was contacted by a person representing herself as "being with UUP," who wanted to meet with the member and present him with "some information and a certificate." Our member was able to determine that this person was a representative of a company called, "National Income Insurance Company." And, he also called the UUP Administrative Office to confirm that nobody by the name given him worked at or for UUP.

Please be assured that at UUP we guard members' identity, not only by policy but as required by law. UUP does not share membership lists with third party companies of any kind.

According to Albany sources, Gov. Paterson is slated to sign the Tier V Bill recently passed by the Legislature. No doubt, this will raise questions and concerns, as well as speculation about retirement incentives.

Here are some details that will amplify the message I sent out last week.

First and foremost, the new retirement tier DOES NOT and WILL NOT affect current employees!

For new employees who elect ERS (those employed after Jan. 1, 2010), there will be a 10-year vesting period (up from the current 5-years). Retirement without penalty will be at age 62 and after 30 years of service. Employees in this plan will pay 3% out-of-pocket throughout their career (vs. for only the first 10 years currently).

New York State provides to all its employees a number of very important benefits. One of them, offered through Work Life Services http://www.worklife.state.ny.us, is the Flex Spending Account (FSA). This program has two components. The first is the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) for child care, elder care, or disable dependent care expenses necessary to enable you to work. The second is the Health Care Spending Account, (HCSAccount) for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by health insurance or other benefit plans.

Both plans are pre-tax deductions available to be used throughout the year. Enrollment is easy through their website, http://www.flexspend.state.ny.us or by calling 1 800 358-7202. The deadline for enrollment is Monday, November 16, 2009.

Please see the following information regarding UUP's request to TIAA/CREF to use our moneys in a more socially responsive way.

Colleagues....

A couple of weeks ago, I informed you of a resolution I presented at the AFT's Executive Council calling on TIAA-CREF to become more socially responsible in their investment policies. You can review the resolution here:
http://www.aftface.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=601&Ite...

TIAA-CREF has responded to AFT president Randi Weingarten. You can view their response here: http://uupinfo.org/TIAA-CREF.pdf Fair Warning: It's a lengthy response.

Feel free to share this with others, this document is also available on the UUP Web site http://uupinfo.org as the second link down on the right-hand column.

In Union...