The Voice

UUP members who believe their workload has increased significantly can turn to their union contract for help.

The 2007-2011 Agreement between New York State and United University Professions covers terms and conditions of employment, including provisions for any unilateral increase in work. For professionals, the contract includes language on performance programs, evaluations and promotions to deal with additional duties and responsibilities. And while there is no uniform standard for the number of courses academics may be asked to teach, the contract does include “extra service” language that could lead to additional compensation.

“In these difficult economic times, many of our members are being asked to take on extra duties and responsibilities. They should know that their union is here to assist them,” said UUP?President Phillip Smith. “But we need to know about any workload creep in order to help.”