n An Online Publication of United University Professions The Nation’s Largest Higher Education Union Working For You THE
EEcchhoo Vol. 6, No. 1
HONORING EXCELLLAENDYNAWCARDEED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE — PAGE 4
MCATEER NAMED OUTSTANDING RETIREE — PAGE 5
THREE STUDENTS RECEIVE UUP SCHOLARSHIPS — PAGE 7 THE Echo Volume 6, Number 1
The Echo is an online publication of United University Professions (UUP), bargaining agent for the more than 37,000 academic and professional employees of the State University of New York.
Contact UUP at P.O. Box 15143, Albany, New York 12212-5143. Telephone (518) 640-6600 or toll-free at (800) 342-4206. UUP’s internet site is www.uupinfo.org. UUP is Local 2190 of the American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO) and is affiliated with NYSUT and the National Education Association.
UUP STATEWIDE OFFICERS FREDERICK E. KOWAL Union Strong President UUP MEMBERS TALK ABOUT WHY UNIONS ARE IMPORTANT . W ATCH THE VIDEO HERE .
THOMAS J. TUCKER
Vice President An Online Publication of United University Professions The Nation’s Largest Higher Education Union Working For You THE HAtThisS issIuNe SIDE for Professionals EchoEcho Vol. 5, No. 5 W ’
8 Keeping an eye on Mars JAMIE F. DANGLER Geneseo UUP member Nicholas Warner talks HONORING EXCELLLAENDYNAWCARDED about his fascination with the Red Planet. Vice President FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE — PAGE 4
MCATEER NAMED OUTSTANDING RETIREE for Academics — PAGE 5 THREE STUDENTS RECEIVE UUP SCHOLARSHIPS — PAGE 6 ALSO : 3 Member snapshot: Ron Friedman JERI O’BRYAN-LOSEE On the cover 11 Spotlight shines on members Secretary-Treasurer 4—UUP members work hard for their 12 Kate Mullany National Historic Site union, their students and patients, and the 16 Proposed constitutional amendments SUNY community—and are awarded for their efforts. 20 Labor notes 21 Educator’s Voice: Call for proposals ALSO: Donations to the UUP College THOMAS C. HOEY Scholarship Fund pay off for another 22 Snapshots from the chapters Membership three SUNY students—page 7 24 Affiliate news: NYSUT attendance report Development Officer 25 In the news 26 UUP Benefits 28 Know Your Rights UUP MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS OLLOW MICHAEL LISI F UUP Director of Media and Publications ON FACEBOOK , KAREN L. MATTISON WITTER AND Associate Director of Media and Publications T NSTAGRAM DARRYL M CGRATH I ! Communications Specialist
ANGELL M. VILLAFAÑE Go to www. UUPinfo.org Communications Assistant to sign up today.
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 2 Member snapshot
Ron Friedman Albany Chapter Ron Friedman came to the University at Albany in 2006 from the University of Missouri, which is a nonunionized public university. He joined UUP immediately, and just as quickly felt very much at home as a member of the UUP Albany Chapter, which he describes as having a strong social conscience. “It’s in the water here,” Friedman said. He threw himself into union work, serving as chair of the chapter Peace and Justice Committee, and working on statewide committees dealing with higher education and solidarity. He’s also an Albany Chapter delegate. An associate professor of psychology and an avid hiker who loves the Adirondacks, Friedman also has a special interest in the environment and a deep concern about climate change. Then came an unexpected opportunity: writing a resolution that would be debated at the union’s Spring Delegate Assembly in May, and which urged the state pension system to divest from fossil-fuel stocks. It resoundingly passed. And with that effort came a better understanding of how UUP works, and how much effort it takes to get such a diverse group to reach agreement. Daunting? Yes, a bit, but worth the effort. “I felt that if the union is really a vehicle for social justice, I needed to try,” Friedman said. What was it like to advocate for your resolution at the Spring DA? I’ve never been so active at a DA. What I realized is, we have a huge diversity of political persuasions, views,what people expect from their union and want from their union. It was a real eye-opener to see the diversity of views.
But your efforts paid off; the resolution was approved there. What kind of message do you think that will send, beyond that moment at the DA? I was pleased that it went through, and that it went through with overwhelming support and that many folks spoke so eloquently on behalf of it. What I was saying seemed to resonate with them. I feel that as UUPers, our word is taken very seriously—that you have some serious scientists and academics coming out for this; it carries some weight.
What’s the biggest difference between working at a nonunionized university, and SUNY? In terms of the ins and outs of my job, there isn’t that much difference. But I feel much more connected to the community here. I feel very proud that we have connected with community groups through our union. I feel that we’re doing work that matters, and I feel very grateful that we’re not just dealing with administrators one on one.
So you see your union as a vehicle for change? Yes. I recently attended a joint Assembly hearing on the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. The very first question posed by (Assistant Speaker) Felix Ortiz was, ‘Where do the unions stand on this?’ That’s nothing to sneeze at; it’s very meaningful to me. I’m very pleased that we have a (UUP) president who’s on board with this, and that we have a membership that’s aware.
— D arryl McGrath
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 3 Cover story
Former UUP statewide secretary receives NHinao Mitnchelol Awraridn for gDist ineguisxhedc Seervicle lence BY MICHAEL LISI genitals because he was a celebrity—and holding a sign rom walki ng on picket lines to with UUP’s logo that says “Union walking the halls of the state Always.” Capitol to advocate for positive “This is an incredible scene and change, former statewide secre - it’s an incredible statement,” she tary Eileen Landy spent more than three said. “We still have a democracy, decades serving the members of UUP. and this is what it looks like.” Now, the union is set to present her with Fits highest honor, the Nina Mitchell Award UNION SERVICE Landy achieved much during for Distinguished Service. her time at UUP. Besides serving Landy, who stepped down in 2017 as as statewide Secretary, she was a secretary after serving in the post for member of the statewide Execu - 16 years, will receive the award in October tive Board, served as statewide NYSUT at the 2019 Fall Delegate Assembly in Rye, VOTE-COPE coordinator, and was Westchester County. FORMER UUP SECRETARY EILEEN LANDY WILL RECEIVE UUP’s liaison to a host of organiza - “Eileen is deserving of the award for so THE UNION ’S HIGHEST HONOR AT THE 2019 F ALL DA. tions, including NYSUT, AFT, NEA many reasons,” said UUP President Fred and the national Coalition of Labor Kowal. “But it was her dedication to UUP Union Women. won full-year health insurance coverage and the spirit of unionism that made the She helped found the Campaign for the for academic part-time employees. decision to nominate her for the Mitchell Future of Higher Education—a national In 2001, Landy was elected as UUP’s Award an easy one.” higher education think tank dedicated to statewide secretary. In that role, she over - Kowal and the union’s four other achieving affordable, quality higher educa - saw the day-to-day operations of the union. statewide officers—VP for Academics Jamie tion for all—and organized the CFHE 2014 The many highlights of her work as secre - Dangler, VP for Professionals Tom Tucker, conference, held in Albany. tary include: Secretary-Treasurer Jeri O’Bryan-Losee In 2017, NYSUT named Landy the Higher • Served as officer liaison to UUP commit - and Membership Development Officer Tom Education Member of the Year, calling her tees such as the Women’s Rights and Hoey—nominated Landy for the award. a “frequent and vocal presence on picket Concerns, and Elections and Credentials “When Eileen got involved in something, lines and at rallies (who) is a recognized committees; or took on a task, she was all in,” said champion for women’s issues.” • Facilitated the implementation of nego - Kowal. “She’s done so much for UUP, and it tiated Joint Labor-Management Committee is our honor to honor her.” ALWAYS UUP programs; Landy became involved with UUP shortly • Scheduled and organized UUP Delegate ON THE MARCH after she joined the faculty of SUNY Old Assemblies, workshops, retreats and Landy took part in numerous UUP rallies Westbury in the early 1990s. statewide committee meetings; and and Labor Day marches. She traveled to She served on the chapter’s board and • Led UUP’s three-year Chapter Action Washington, D.C., to march in the One Na - as its VP for Academics before becoming Project and set up yearly CAP training tion March in 2010, the 50th anniversary of chapter president in 1995—a post she’d conferences. the March on Washington in 2013, and the hold until 2001. She combined her chapter “Eileen has always been willing to stand Women’s March on Washington in 2017. leadership with several statewide roles, as up and be counted in support of what is In a UUP video chronicling the march, a UUP Delegate, statewide VOTE-COPE co - right for her union and for just causes in Landy is exuberant, sporting a pink “pussy ordinator in 2000, and a five-year stint on support of working people, the under- hat” with knitted ears—worn by so many the Executive Board (1997-2001). served and the oppressed,” the officers women and men at the event in response Landy was also part of the Negotiations wrote in their award nomination for Landy. to President Donald Trump’s 2005 state - Team for the 1999-2003 contract between “We highly recommend her for the Nina ment that he could grab women by the UUP and the state; in that pact, the Team Mitchell Award.”
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 4 McAteer earns 2019 Pearl H. Brod Outstanding Retiree Award BY KAREN L. M ATTISON CHARLIE MCATEER , A PROFESSIONAL DELEGATE AND RETIREE MEMBER OF THE STONY BROOK harlie McAteer is a stand-up CHAPTER , WILL RECEIVE THE PEARL H. B ROD guy. AWARD AS THE UNION ’S OUTSTANDING RETIREE . Not simply because, in his THE AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE 2019 6-foot-plus frame, he towers FALL DA AT THE WESTCHESTER HILTON IN RYE . above many of his UUP colleagues. But because the Stony Brook Chapter retiree member is known to speak up for others, Ctake on every challenge that confronts him, and lend a hand when asked (and, Past Recipients often, even when he isn’t). “I have seen Charlie step up and take 1998 Helen Lees, Buffalo HSC on many tasks whenever necessary and to 1999 Norma Klayman, Buff St. rise to the occasion for many years,” said former Stony Brook Chapter president 2000 Hy Kuritz, Albany Kevin Moriarty in his letter of recommen- 2001 Horace Ivey, Upstate dation. “I am acutely aware of the tire- less hours Charlie works to ensure the 2003 Bill Rock, Brockport solidarity of UUP and the Stony Brook community.” 2006 Pearl Brod, Farmingdale McAteer will receive the 2019 Pearl H. MICHAEL LISI Don Cohen, Albany Brod Outstanding Retiree Award at the Sally Knapp, Albany union’s Fall Delegate Assembly, Oct. 25-26 dent for professionals, treasurer and griev - at the Westchester Hilton in Rye. Brod— ance chair. 2007 Judy Wishnia, Stony Brook another Long Island retiree who served the And he hasn’t shown any signs of slow - 2008 Jo Schaffer, Cortland union with distinction—was chair of the ing down since his retirement from SUNY statewide Committee on Active Retired in 2015. 2010 Henry Geerken, Cobleskill Membership from 1999-2003 and COARM’s He was elected in 2017 as COARM’s rep - Dave Peckham, Upstate Long Island regional representative from resentative for the Long Island region, and 2011 Ed Alfonsin, Potsdam 1993-2009. The award was named in her continues to serve as a UUP delegate. He honor upon her death in 2011. is also a member of the statewide Finance 2012 Bob Kasprak, Optometry “Charlie is the big union man for all sea - Committee and COARM’s subcommittee on sons,” said COARM Chair Jo Schaffer of retirees. In the latter role, McAteer has 2013 Larry Wittner, Albany Cortland, a 60-year union activist and for - helped to develop the retirees’ budget over 2014 Ivan Steen, Albany mer statewide membership development the last three years. He also advocates for Loraine Tyler, Oneonta officer. “From his working years at Stony active and retiree legislation as a member Brook, to his incredible retiree union activi - of the UUP Outreach Committee; he is 2015 Barbara Maertz, Farmingdale ties—at the Stony Brook Chapter, on all of often seen in meetings with Long Island Long Island and statewide—he is the guy Assemblymember Steve Englebright in the 2016 Tom Morrissey, Fredonia you want at your side ... if you can keep lawmaker’s district office. 2018 Richard Tyler, Oneonta up with him. “Charlie has been a devoted advocate for “He can arrange a meeting for 100, as UUP’s legislative agendas for a number of well as go one-on-one with a legislator,” years,” said Farmingdale Chapter retiree Schaffer added. “He is involved and effec - member Barbara Maertz, who was Long on Retirees, McAteer was instrumental in tive as a community activist and al ways a Island’s regional rep before McAteer. “He bringing forth a constitutional amendment UUP presence. I can’t think of anyone as meets with legislators, invites them to to elect an officer for retirees to serve on qualified for the Brod ‘active’ retiree award speak with retirees, and coordinates with chapter executive boards; the successful as Charlie McAteer.” Long Island’s NYSUT retirees at phone candidate would be the liaison between re - banks and in marches along the street tiree members and the chapter leadership. FULL OF CRED in support of NYSUT-endorsed (political) Said Maertz: “UUP and the retirees could While employed at SUNY, McAteer was candidates.” not have a stronger, more active and effec - active in his chapter, as chapter vice presi - As a member of the union’s Task Force tive member than Charlie.”
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 5 Cover story Past Nina Mitchell Award Recipients 1989 Morris Budin, Binghamton 1997 Elizabeth tiger, Delhi 2006 Barbara Maertz, Farmingdale harold cannon, albany Frank Maraviglia, ESF Samuel Wakshull, Buffalo State 2007 Gregory F. auleta, Oswego 1998 Bill Godfrey, Stony Brook al Ermanovics, SUNy Buffalo 1990 Nuala Drescher, Buffalo State thomas E. Morrissey, Fredonia robert J. reganse, Farmingdale John hunt Jr., Farmingdale alan Shank, Geneseo roy Slaunwhite, Buffalo hSc 2008 Bill Scheuerman, Oswego 1999 Jay Bloom, New Paltz 2009 Michael Zweig, Stony Brook 1991 John Ether, albany Peter Kane, Upstate Medical rita Piccolo, Buffalo hSc Paul Martin, Buffalo State 2010 Vicki Janik, Farmingdale Josephine Wise, Buffalo center lawrence Wittner, albany 2000 Patty Bentley, Plattsburgh 1992 Geraldine Bard, Buffalo State charles hansen, Stony Brook 2011 lorna arrington, Buffalo center James cretekos, alfred henry DiStefano, Upstate 2001 David Kreh, cortland 2012 robert E. rees, alfred Michael Smiles, Farmingdale 1993 thomas Matthews, Geneseo Ivan Steen, albany 2013 John Delate, Purchase Fred Miller, Oneonta Edward VanDuzer, Brockport Edward h. Quinn, Stony Brook
1994 ann Marie Behling, cobleskill 2002 Judith c. Bird, Farmingdale 2014 Ed Drummond, Stony Brk hSc John M. reilly, albany henry J. Steck, cortland candy Merbler, albany Judith Wishnia, Stony Brook Jeanne Galbraith, Stony Brk hSc 2003 thomas corigliano, Plattsburgh 1995 Edward alfonsin, Potsdam harvey Inventasch, cortland 2016 Steve Pendleton, Buffalo State Malcolm Nelson, Fredonia 2004 John Morganti, Buffalo State 2017 William canning, Oswego 1996 D. Jo Schaffer, cortland Donna Goodman, New Paltz Gertrude Butera, alfred 2005 Phillip Smith, Upstate Medical S. von Winbush, Old Westbury 2018 James Engle, Morrisville Kiko Franco, Old Westbury
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THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 6 UUP College Scholarship recipients motivated by activism BY DARRYL MCGRATH “My first introduction to UUP began at birth when my mom received paid mater - f the purpose of a scholarship nity leave,” Nilsen wrote in her UUP is to help deserving students scholarship application essay. “As I got achieve their dreams, then three older, I attended aftercare, which was UUP scholarship recipients are funded through (the pre-tax) Dependent almost certainly going to travel as far as Care (Advantage Account) and allowed their imaginations and ambitions could her to fulfill her work obligations. These possibly take them. union benefits and protections have IFor a scholarship program built around shaped my world regarding the impor - the theme of doing good and advancing tance of fair working conditions, and job union values, this year’s recipients espe - security benefits.” cially stand out as gifted social justice Among Quartley’s many outreach efforts activists. They include a Cortland student at UB is her volunteer work for the city’s who wants to become an urban teacher, Gloria J. Parks Community Center after - Nilsen a University at Buffalo student who sees school program. art as a bright light of inner-city after- “I was proud to be part of this program school programs, and an Environmental because I believe that children are vulner - Science and Forestry student who believes able at this age, and it is essential for that access to clean water is a human them to feel safe,” she wrote in her Quartley rights issue. application. “Everyone should have equal “These students are excellent scholars, opportunity to access programs that and the committee was impressed with nurture them and help them to reach their responses to questions during their their full potential.” interviews,” wrote Albany Chapter dele - gate Ivan Steen, co-chair of the Scholar - EQUITABLE ACCESS ship Selection subcommittee of the state- TO A PRECIOUS RESOURCE wide Scholarship Committee, in a letter of The recipient of the union’s William recommendation to statewide President Scheuerman Post Baccalaureate Scholar - Fred Kowal and the Executive Board. ship is ESF student Kaitlyn Simmons , Each recipient is awarded a one-time who is pursuing her master’s in environ - scholarship of $3,000. Recipients must mental studies with an interest in water - be students at a SUNY state-operated shed management and wetland protec- campus, with a cumulative grade-point tion. She also comes from a union family, average of at least 3.75. so it’s no surprise that she aspires to helping develop more inclusive community FUTURE TEACHERS FOCUS decision-making in the use of watersheds Simmons ON URBAN SCHOOLS and wetlands. The recipients of this year’s undergradu - “There is so much injustice in this world ate scholarships are Alyson Nilsen , a and while I realize no one can tackle it all teacher education student at Cortland who alone, I want to chip away at it as much is majoring in inclusive childhood educa - as humanly possible,” Simmons wrote in tion and Spanish; and Emily Quartley , her application. “I believe that by advocat - an Honors College art major at the Univer - ing for more inclusive decision-making sity at Buffalo. Both have mothers who processes in my future field of watershed are UUP members. management and wetland protection, Nilsen has immersed herself in her I can affect some positive change.” teacher education program and in leader - The scholarship is named for former ship roles on campus. She hopes to work in UUP president William Scheuerman. an urban school district, and is a recipient The three recipients will be honored at of a college scholarship for future urban the Fall Delegate Assembly, Oct. 25-26 educators. at the Westchester Hilton in Rye. KAREN L. M ATTISON PHOTOS
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 7 UUP front
UBY DUARRYPL M CGmRATH ember shoots for Mars, not the moon
his has been the year of the moon, filled with reminiscences of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing and debate on where space exploration will next take us. But for Geneseo member and geologist Nicholas Warner, it’s the planet Mars that Tholds him in thrall. Warner is an assistant professor in the Geneseo department of geological sciences, where he has been able to pursue his passion for the Red Planet. And with another Mars Rover mission planned for next summer, and serious talk from NASA about the possibility of a human mission to Mars within 15 years, this is a wonderful time to be an Earthling fan of the planet that arguably holds more fascination for space buffs than any other celestial body. As recently as 50 years ago, the idea of a mission to Mars was the stuff of sci-fi KEITH WALTERS PHOTOS comic books; now, Warner can revel in BY THE TIME GENESEO CHAPTER UUP ER AND GEOLOGIST NICHOLAS WARNER WAS A TEENAGER IN THE the fact that he has played a role in that 1990 S, THE FIRST MOON LANDING WAS HISTORY AND NASA HAD TURNED TO MARS EXPLORATION . B UT incredible fantasy that may just become EVEN WITH HIS FASCINATION FOR THE RED PLANET , W ARNER COULD NEVER HAVE DREAMED BACK THEN reality well within his lifetime. THAT HE WOULD BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN A MARS MISSION , AS HE WAS LAST YEAR . “The main driver for Mars exploration is to understand if life, even simple life, could have evolved there,” Warner said in an inter - Arizona State University, where, he noted, brought two Geneseo undergraduate view about his role last year in a Mars Rover the terrain looks quite a bit like Mars, except students to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labora - project. “We’re 100 percent certain there for the vegetation. tory in California, where Warner was the was water on Mars. We don’t know about “It’s very dry,” he said, describing what lead geologist for a team that researched life—that’s the big question. It’s the prime scientists now know about the Martian the terrain to recommend the best place - candidate to look for life on another planet, surface. “As for the surface itself, it’s mostly ment for geological instruments that meas - because it is close by; we can get to it. sand with pebbles. We call it a granular ure seismic shocks, core heat and the Mars “Mars just became the sweet spot for NASA.” surface; you could really put your hand rotation rate. The Geneseo team spent down into it and sift it.” nearly a month at the Jet Propulsion Lab. A LIFELONG LOVE OF MARS There might be an answer to the question “Fortunately, we landed in a really, really Mars has certainly been the sweet spot of life on Mars one day, and Warner is flat, boring place, which was perfect for this for Warner, who earned his undergraduate thrilled to be playing a part in that effort. landing,” Warner said. “It was exactly what degree at Geneseo; his master’s of geology He’s been working on NASA’s Insight Mis - we were hoping to land on. I’d hoped to be at the University at Buffalo; and his Ph.D. at sion to Mars since 2012. Last November, he involved with a mission like this as I was
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 8 WARNER ’S GENESEO STUDENTS WATCH THE INSIGHT LANDING .
going through college; that was my goal. grant that covered his work on the Insight It’s now widely accepted, he noted, that So, it was surreal to do this.” mission; after that, he’s not sure how active there may be trillions (yes, you read that Warner considered a career with NASA, a role he will play. correctly) of planets in our galaxy. As but the prospect of a lifelong search for “In this case, I was uniquely positioned Warner put it, “They’re popping up all over grants to sustain his research with the because of my previous preparation,” the place. It’s fascinating.” agency was the reality check that steered Warner said. “I’m certainly going to keep So, why not UFOs? Even the Air Force him into teaching. And he loves teaching, my eyes on it, and I’m certainly going to be now seems to be taking them seriously, by so this way, he has the best of both worlds. involved in Mars throughout my career.” finally allowing military pilots to report them He remains delighted to have played the without fearing that such a move will be a SO MANY PLANETS ; role he did, but he also has a very down-to- career-ender. SO LITTLE TIME earth perspective on the scale of human “I definitely think it’s possible,” Warner What’s next, both for space exploration accomplishments in space. said of the UFO question. “A lot of physicists and for Warner? When asked if unidentified flying objects — and scientists will say the universe is a big “Right now, everything is on track for or UFOs, as they are popularly known — place. There are a lot of planets out there— going back to Mars with Rover,” Warner might really be signs of extraterrestrial more planets than stars, which is mind- said. “We have a healthy budget for explo - exploration, Warner’s answer demonstrates boggling. There are definitely things that ration.” The Mars 2020 expedition will focus both the limits of what we know, and the can’t be explained and can’t be evaluated. on searching for signs of life. Warner has a limitless possibilities that we can’t imagine. I’m optimistic.”
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 9 UL TRA VIOLET A WARENES S
KEEP THE FUN IN Y OUR SUMMER & UV RA YS OUT OF Y OUR EYES UV r ays ar e in visible , high-ener gy light beams tha t r adia te fr om the sun all y ear-r ound. T he y pas s thr ough haz e and thin clouds and r eflect off bright surf ac es such as w ater , sno w, whit e sand and pa vement. Artificial light sour ces, such as tanning beds and w elding machines, also pr oduc e UV r ays. T hese same UV r ays tha t cause tanning, sunburn and skin canc er can also harm y our e yes.
Short-t erm UV o ver exposur e can cause immedia te pain which subsides o ver a c ouple of da ys, but the damage caused b y long-t erm e xposur e de velops so slo wly tha t it is not f elt. Ov er the c ourse of man y y ears without e ye pr ot ection, small amounts of UV light can aid in the de velopment of ca tar acts and age-r ela ted macular degener ation (AMD ), the leading cause of vision los s among older Americans. L ong-t erm UV e xposur e ma y also c ontribut e t o the gr adual de velopment of skin canc er ar ound the e yelids and abnormal gr owths on the eye’ s surf ac e.
WHO IS MO ST A T RISK? HO W CAN I PRO TECT MY EYES ? Every one under the sun is susc eptible t o UV Whene ver y ou ar e out doors during the da y, pr ot ect radia tion damage , although ther e ar e c ertain your e yes in the f ollo wing w ays: cir cums tanc es tha t can plac e e yes a t a gr ea ter risk of damage such as: Wear sunglas ses or pr escription eyeglas ses with phot ochr omic lenses Young e yes. Childr en’ s e yes ar e (such as T ransitions ® Signa tur e™ ) or especially vulner able , as their ocular lens select lenses tha t filt er out 99% - 100% is s till de veloping and the y ar e unable t o of both UV -A and UV -B r ays. eff ectiv ely filt er out UV r ays. Wear a wide-brimmed ha t or cap , which Artificial light. UV r adia tion le vels ar e will block about half of UV r ays. much gr ea ter in a tanning booth than out doors. Ea t a health y diet. A diet rich in brightly color ed fruits and v egetables helps Being out doors. T hose who w ork or pla y reduc e the risk of sun damage . in the sun f or long periods need t o tak e extr a pr ecautions.
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THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 10 Spotlight shines on UUPers
ach year, hundreds of UUP members publish books and articles, and are recognized for accomplishments E on campus and in their communities. The Echo is pleased to recognize three members in this issue. Timothy Frerichs , a Allison Rank , a Shadi Shahedipour- professor of art at SUNY SUNY Oswego assistant Sandvik , interim vice Fredonia, has received professor of political president of research one of three Global science and founder of advancement and grad - Warming Art Project the student-driven Vote uate studies at SUNY grants that will support O swego voter mo biliza - Poly, was selected to projects that respond tion campaign, received receive a three-year to the rising dangers the national John Salt - $360,000 federal grant SHAHEDIPOUR-SANDVIK of global warming and FRERICHS marsh Award for Emerg - RANK from the U.S. Army climate change. ing Leaders in Civic Engagement, given by Research Office –U.S. Army Contracting His project,“Navigation: Lake Erie–Great the American Democracy Project. Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground to Lakes,” will create a traveling exhibition and The award recogn izes exemplary early- develop more advanced batteries with greater installation. It will include workshops and career leaders who advance the wider civic energy storage capabilities compared to lectures that address how climate change engagement movement through higher conventional batteries. is impacting the Great Lakes, with a focus education. The ADP is a consortium of more Graduate and undergraduate students on Lake Erie. than 250 state colleges and universities will take part in related research. Under - The installation will feature a group of focused on preparing the next generation grads will work on their capstone research varying-sized works on paper alongside a of info rmed, engaged citizens. project; grad students will visit the Army video and art ist book. Worksh ops and le c - Rank establi shed Vote Oswego as a Research Lab for up to two weeks to work tures will offer direct approaches to address course, a voter registration drive and a voter closely with the collaborators. and counter th ese imp acts an d c hanges. mobiliza tion campai gn that e mphasizes Shahedipour-Sandvik earned a bachelor’s The exhibition will be held at mult iple ven - building civic aw areness and political sk ills fr om Tehran University in 1992 and a Ph.D. ues along Lake Erie and possibly other Great among students. In 2016 and 2018, the from the University of Missouri in 1998. She
Lakes locations. Frerichs has already been nonpartisan campaign registered more than also held the positions of postdoctoral associ - invited to install the exhibit in Turkey. 2,000 students to vote and helped 2,500 ate and research associate at Northwestern students request absentee ballots. University in 2000 and 2001, respectively.
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VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 11
Labor notes
Renovations on labor pioneer Kate Mullany’s National Historic home are nearly complete
KBY MICHAaEL LISI te’s plof athe Rencsselaeer County house for state wide I’m certain that it will inspire those who UUP President Fred Kowal, VP for Academics visit to become more active in their unions.” f she were alive today, 19th century Jamie Dangler, and Membership Development union pioneer Kate Mullany would Officer Tom Hoey. “She’d recognize the stair - UNION MADE feel right at home in the newly well and she’d recognize the upstairs apart - The work—voluntary labor done by union restored three-story walk-up at ment, which we refurbished to look exactly as carpenters, painters, roofers and contrac - 350 8th St. in Troy. it did when Kate lived here in 1869.” tors through the Greater Capital District American Labor Studies Center Executive Cole said the restoration will cost between Building and Construction Trades Council— Director Paul Cole is certain of it. $500,000 and $600,000; the work is “99 per - includes a complete overhaul of the Rensse - IThe center has almost completed its cent complete.” The funds came from state laer County home’s grand stairway and its restoration of the house, where Mullany and federal grants, as well as extensive third-floor apartment, where historians lived from 1864 through 1869, and returned fundraising done by Cole and the ALSC, believe Mullany lived with her mother and to in the early 20th century. Designated as which purchased the house in 2002. two sisters. It also includes $13,000 worth a National Historic Site in 2004, the house This year’s fundraiser, the center’s Annual of work to restore six first-floor windows to was where Mullaney formed the Troy Collar Recognition Reception, is set for Oct. 23 at 1869 specs, to meet exacting federal and Laundry Union, America’s first bonafide all- NYSUT statewide headquarters in Latham, state historic standards, said Cole. female union. Albany County. In 2017, the ALSC honored The stairway leads to the apartment’s doorway, which opens into a kitchen area with a table and chairs from the 1860s. A brass mortar and pestle is perched next to a metal lockbox on a mantel above space for a stove; Cole said they are working on get - ting a 19th century stove. A door at the back of the kitchen leads to a small back porch. Four small bedrooms are off the kitchen and the parlor. There was no electricity or running water; an outhouse in the backyard served as the bathroom. In the parlor, an ornate cast-iron parlor stove, made in the 1840s by Albany stove maker S.H. Ransom & Co., sits in front of a white fireplace mantel, across from a 19th century Victorian-style table with a white marble top. A velvet Victorian-style couch abuts a wall shared with the kitchen, across from an elegant pair of parlor sitting chairs.
BACK IN TIME In most respects, the house looks very MICHAEL LISI PHOTOS much like it did when Kate’s mother, RENOVATIONS ON THE HISTORIC KATE MULLANY HOUSE IN TROY , R ENSSELAER COUNTY , ARE NEARING Bridget, paid $650 for it and the building COMPLETION . T HE LOCATION HOUSES THE AMERICAN LABOR STUDIES CENTER . next door in 1864. At the time, Kate, along with more than 3,700 women, worked at a Cole said he hopes that the Mullany house Kowal with the Kate Mullany medal for his commercial laundry in Troy—the first in the will be able to officially open over contributions to labor. nation—washing, starching and ironing the next few months. “The painstaking work that has been done detachable collars and cuffs. The “Collar “The idea was that if Kate walked into the to restore this house to the way it was when City” was the largest producer of detachable home today, she would know it as her house,” Kate Mullany lived here is incredible,” said collars and cuffs in the 1860s. said Cole, who led an Aug. 14 tour Kowal. “Labor history surrounds you here. Working conditions in the laundry were
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 12 ABOVE , UUP STATEWIDE OFFICERS , FROM RIGHT , MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER TOM HOEY , PRESIDENT FRED KOWAL AND VPA J AMIE DANGLER GET A TOUR OF THE KATE MULLANY HOUSE IN TROY , RENSSELAER COUNTY , FROM AMERICAN LABOR STUDIES CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAUL COLE . THE ALSC OPERATES OUT OF THE MULLANY HOUSE .
LEFT , THE PARLOR LOOKS LIKE IT DID WHEN MULLANY LIVED THERE FROM 1864-1869, AND AGAIN IN THE EARLY 20 TH CENTURY .
deplorable; the women worked 14-hour days, successful strike in 1866 that hiked workers’ mini Mullany museum, with pamphlets and washing collars and cuffs in scalding water wages from $8 to $14. But an 1869 strike, information about Mullany and local union using harsh soaps, bleach and caustic chemi - vehemently opposed by a strong coalition of history. Antique brass and cast-iron irons cals. They were paid $3 to $4 per week for laundry owners and collar manufacturers, and coal-heated irons are on display, along their work, often in stifling heat; they would failed and broke the union. with vintage shirts and collars, and other be docked for damaged shirts or collars. Undaunted, Mullaney moved to Buffalo Mullany memorabilia. in 1871 and opened the Troy Laundry, There are also pictures of Hillary Clinton, STRIKE ! which employed 27 workers who were paid who as first lady visited the house in 1998 When the laundry owners brought in new fairly and provided safe working conditions. after it was named a National Historic Land - machines to increase production, Kate and She married in 1883 and moved back to mark. As New York’s junior senator, she her fellow workers had enough. She organ - her 8th Street home in Troy, where she played a large part in getting legislation ized and founded the Collar Laundry Union, died Aug. 17, 1906. passed in 2004 to make the Mullany house leading its 300 members in a February 1864 a National Historic Site, part of the National strike where workers demanded a 25 per - SHARING LABOR HISTORY Park System. cent raise. The owners resisted, but the Cole, a retired history teacher who was a “Schools are a major target for us,” said union’s 300 members persisted. After five union leader with NYSUT, AFT and the New Cole. “There is so much history to share. and a half days, the owners gave in to the York AFL-CIO, said he hopes that Mullany’s “This site honors the early struggles of union’s demands. union activism will spark an interest in the unions and the brave people who stepped up Mullany, who worked closely with Troy’s young people who visit the house. and spoke out for workers,” he continued. Iron Molders Union Local 2, led a second The first floor of the house is set up as a “Kate was certainly that, and much more.”
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 13 Labor notes
Mi ch ael L. Burn s Labor D ay P arade Fri day, S epte mber 6 , 2 019
Fo r prou d Union m em bers an d th eir f amilies.
Arriv e ti me: 5 :00pm Park a t the Corni ng Pre se rv e be ne ath 7 87 . CD TA buse s wi ll shuttl e pa rti ci pa nts to the P arade Sta rt (Aca de my Park a cross from S ta te Ca pi to l) Pa rade li ne up be lo w NYS Educa ti on bu il di ng. Pa rade li ne up be tw een 5:1 5-5:3 0pm Pa rade kicks off a t 6 pm !
Fo od, m us ic , r ock w all, g ame t ruck a nd fi reworks at d ark!
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 14 VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 15 Constitutional amendments
201n ac9cor daFncae wlilt h DArticAle X IdII oef thlee UUgP aContsteitustion ,t UUoP debayeatrse, su bjpectr too repnewoal severy dtwo yceahrs uap tno ag maexims um of eight bargaining unit members are hereby notified that the following years, and be without vote or the right to hold office. proposed constitutional amendments are on the agenda of the 2019 Fall Delegate Assembly, Oct. 25-26 at the Westchester Proposed Language Change: b. Retired Membership: Retired Membership shall be open to any regular Hilton in Rye. The following proposed constitutional amendments were member in good standing who has retired from active service with a mini - adopted by the statewide UUP Executive Board. mum of five continuous years of membership in good standing immedi - I ately preceding the date of retirement or continuous membership beginning 30 days after the adoption of this amendment by the delegate Article III. Section 1.a. assembly, whichever is less. If a member has less than five years of contin - MOTION to make the grammatical structure of Regular Membership uous bargaining unit employment the member must have continuous consistent with the other categories of membership membership in good standing for the length of their employment in the within the constitution as provided below. bargaining unit or beginning 30 days after the adoption of this amend - ment, whichever is less. Deletions are struck through . Special Membership, either Retired or Sustaining: Sustaining members Insertions are underlined . may vote but may not hold office at the Chapter, Local or Affiliate levels; Retired Membership shall be open to any person who has retired from Current Language: active service while a Regular member of United University Professions; Regular Membership, open to employees in the State University of New c. Sustaining Membership: ii. Sustaining Membership shall be open to York and in such other higher education units in the State of New York as any person who has been retrenched or non-renewed or who has been shall be determined by the Delegate Assembly; Contingent Membership to any person involuntarily terminated for any reason and has litigation, shall extend from September 1 through August 31. Membership in good grievance, or other, similar proceedings in progress ., such Sustaining standing shall be maintained through payment of dues as defined in Arti - membership to terminate s upon reinstatement in the negotiating unit or cle III, Section 4, b.i.b of the UUP Constitution and shall be on a continu - resolution of such litigation or other proceedings and is to be limited to ing basis throughout the membership year. the period of litigation or a three-year term, whichever is longer. Sustain - ing members may vote but may not hold office at the Chapter, Local or Proposed Language Change: Affiliate levels. Regular Membership: Regular Membership , shall be open to employees e. Continuing Membership shall be open to any Regular member in good in the State University of New York and in such other higher education standing who is retrenched or non-renewed for any reason. Such mem - units in the State of New York as shall be determined by the Delegate As - bership shall terminate upon reinstatement in the negotiating unit or sembly; upon employment. Continuing Membership shall be for an initial two Contingent Membership shall extend from September 1 through August years, subject to renewal every two years up to a maximum of eight 31. Membership in good standing shall be maintained through payment years, and be without vote or the right to hold office. of dues as defined in Article III, Section 4 ., b.i.b of the UUP Constitution and shall be on a continuing basis throughout the membership year. Article III. Section 1.c. MOTION to remove Associate Membership category Article III. Section 1.b. and Section 1.e. and renumber as appropriate. MOTION to remove the Special Membership category and establish separate Retired Membership and Sustaining Deletions are struck through . Membership categories, to establish the amount of time someone Insertions are underlined . must be a Regular member before becoming a Retired Member, and to combine Sustaining and Continuing membership as provided below. Current Language: Associate Membership: Associate members may not vote in any Union Deletions are struck through . election or in any referendum, except as may be specified for Associate Insertions are underlined . members under the provisions of Article IX of this Constitution, nor may they hold elective office at the Chapter, Local, or Affiliate levels; Current Language: i. Associate membership shall be open to any person not eligible for b. Special Membership, either Retired or Sustaining: Sustaining members Regular or Special membership who is employed in a non-managerial may vote but may not hold office at the Chapter, Local or Affiliate levels; position in an institution of higher education where no bargaining unit i. Retired Membership shall be open to any person who has retired from exists, or where the bargaining agent is not affiliated with the New York active service while a Regular member of United University Professions; State United Teachers and its affiliated bodies and there is no local so af - ii. Sustaining membership shall be open to any person who has been re - filiated in the bargaining unit; or who is employed or self-employed in an trenched or to any person who has been involuntarily terminated and occupation or profession, including but not limited to research, librarian - has litigation, grievance, or other, similar proceedings in progress, such ship, instruction, counseling, consulting, or other professional activity membership to terminate upon reinstatement in the negotiating unit or whose elements are substantially equivalent to those of positions in bar - resolution of such litigation or other proceedings, and to be limited to gaining units represented by United University Professions; or who has the period of litigation or a three-year term, whichever is longer. ... retired from such position, occupation, or profession and is not eligible e. Continuing Membership shall be open to any Regular member in good for Retired or other membership in another local affiliated with the New standing who is retrenched or non-renewed for any reason. Such mem - York State United Teachers and its affiliated bodies; or who is the surviv - bership shall terminate upon reinstatement in the negotiating unit or ing spouse or equivalent of a deceased member of United University upon employment. Continuing Membership shall be for an initial two Professions; provided, however, that application for Associate member -
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 16 ship shall be made according to procedures adopted by the Executive Board; and further provided, that each such application shall be subject Article III. Section 3.a. to approval by the Executive Board; and further provided, that while MOTION to update language in line with existing practice Associate members may attend meetings of an appropriate Chapter of as provided below. United University Professions and participate in activities not otherwise Deletions are struck through . prohibited by provisions of this Constitution, they shall not be counted Insertions are underlined . as members for purposes of representation, financial allocations, or other Union matters; and further provided, that Associate members shall Current Language: be eligible to participate in benefits programs offered by the Union or its a. Membership status shall officially begin with the registration by the affiliates, except where the conditions for offering such benefits do not UUP office, either through receipt of a payroll deduction authorization permit such participation. card or of a letter of application membership in good standing shall be maintained through payment of dues and shall officially terminate after Proposed Language Change: a grace period of sixty days following the due date; c. Associate Membership: Associate members may not vote in any Union election or in any referendum, except as may be specified for As - Proposed Language Change: sociate members under the provisions of Article IX of this Constitution, a. Membership status shall officially begin with the registration by the UUP nor may they hold elective office at the Chapter, Local, or Affiliate levels; office, either through receipt of a payroll deduction authorization card or of i. Associate membership shall be open to any person not eligible for a letter of application . accompanied by a dues payment; Mmembership in Regular or Special membership who is employed in a non-managerial good standing shall be maintained through payment of dues and shall offi - position in an institution of higher education where no bargaining unit cially terminate after a grace period of sixty days following the due date; exists, or where the bargaining agent is not affiliated with the New York State United Teachers and its affiliated bodies and there is no local so af - filiated in the bargaining unit; or who is employed or self-employed in an Article III. Section 4.b.ii. occupation or profession, including but not limited to research, librarian - MOTION to rename Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) ship, instruction, counseling, consulting, or other professional activity to Retired Membership Governing Committee and align language with whose elements are substantially equivalent to those of positions in bar - amended membership categories as provided below. Replace all gaining units represented by United University Professions; or who has references to Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) retired from such position, occupation, or profession and is not eligible with Retired Membership Governing Committee as appropriate. for Retired or other membership in another local affiliated with the New York State United Teachers and its affiliated bodies; or who is the surviv - Deletions are struck through . ing spouse or equivalent of a deceased member of United University Insertions are underlined . Professions; provided, however, that application for Associate member - ship shall be made according to procedures adopted by the Executive Current Language: Board; and further provided, that each such application shall be subject ii. For the special class of Retired members, dues shall be calculated prior to approval by the Executive Board; and further provided, that while As - to each fiscal year, and before adoption of the annual budget, using the sociate members may attend meetings of an appropriate Chapter of following formula: a basic charge figured with reference to actual costs United University Professions and participate in activities not otherwise in support of retiree activities as derived from the most recent complete prohibited by provisions of this Constitution, they shall not be counted financial records, plus an amount for additional assessment for support as members for purposes of representation, financial allocations, or of retiree programs as determined by the Committee on Active Retired other Union matters; and further provided, that Associate members shall Membership (COARM) in consultation with its constituency and the Fi - be eligible to participate in benefits programs offered by the Union or its nance Committee; affiliates, except where the conditions for offering such benefits do not permit such participation. Proposed Language Change: ii. For the special class of Retired Mmembers , dues shall be calculated prior to each fiscal year, and before adoption of the Retired Membership Governing Committee annual budget, using the following formula: a Article III. Section 1.d. basic charge figured with reference to actual costs in support of retiree MOTION to make the grammatical structure of Honorary Membership activities as derived from the most recent complete financial records, consistent with the other categories of membership as provided below. plus an amount for additional assessment for support of retiree pro - grams as determined by the Retired Membership Governing Committee Deletions are struck through . on Active Retired Membership (COARM) in consultation with its con - Insertions are underlined . stituency and the Finance Committee; Current Language: d. Honorary Membership, without vote or the right to hold office in the Article III. Section 4.b.iii., Section 4.b.iv., Union, may be granted to such persons as the Executive Board or the Delegate Assembly may determine, in recognition of the service or Section 4.b.v. and Section 4.b.vi. MOTION to update Article III. Section 4.b.iii., Section 4.b.iv., dedication of such persons to the purposes of this Union as specified Section 4.b.v. and Section 4.b.vi. to conform with amendments in Article II of this Constitution; to Article III, Section 1 as provided below. Proposed Language Change: Deletions are struck through . d. Honorary Membership: Honorary Membership, without vote or the right to hold office in the Union, may be granted to such persons as the Insertions are underlined . Executive Board or the Delegate Assembly may determine, in recognition Current Language: of the service or dedication of such persons to the purposes of this b. Annual dues of United University Professions shall be assessed as follows: Union as specified in Article II of this Constitution; … iii. For the special class of Sustaining members, $25 plus the equiva lent
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 17 Constitutional amendments
of affiliate per-capita dues payments; Article III, Section 2, of this Constitution. No more than two members iv. For Associate members, $25 plus the equivalent of affiliate per-capita of the entire Executive Board may be from the same Chapter. dues payments, if appropriate; Proposed Language Change: v. For Honorary members, there shall be no dues; Section 1. Composition. vi. For Continuing members, there shall be no dues. There shall be an Executive Board consisting of the officers and fourteen additional persons elected by the Delegate Assembly. In addition, the Proposed Language Change: Chair of the Retired Membership Governing Committee on Active Re - b. Annual dues of United University Professions shall be assessed as follows: tired Membership (COARM) shall serve as a nonvoting member; the … iii. For the special class of Sustaining Mmembers, $25 plus the equiva - Chair of the Retired Membership Governing Committee on Active Re - lent of affiliate per-capita dues payments; tired Membership (COARM) shall not be included in determining Chapter iv. For Associate members, $25 plus the equivalent of affiliate per-capita representation on the Board. Total membership on the Executive Board dues payments, if appropriate; shall reflect the approximate whole-number ratio by the categories of iv. v. For Honorary Mmembers, there shall be no dues ; membership on the rolls of United University Professions. The Executive vi. For Continuing members, there shall be no dues. Board shall include no fewer than one member from each of the five types of Chapters, as defined in Article VII, Section 4, of this Constitution and no fewer than one contingent member, as defined in Article III, Article IV. Section 5. Section 2, of this Constitution. No more than two members of the entire MOTION to rename COARM to Retired Membership Executive Board may be from the same Chapter. Governing Committee as provided below.
Deletions are struck through . Insertions are underlined . Article VIII. Section 3. MOTION to create an additional Retired Membership Current Language: region and update language as provided below. Section 5. Duties of the Membership Development Officer. The Membership Development Officer shall work to promote member - Deletions are struck through . ship growth; shall present to the Executive Board recommendations with Insertions are underlined . respect to membership development; shall serve, by virtue of the office, as a member of the Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) Current Language: and as a member of the Membership Committee; and shall perform such Section 3. Nomination and Election Procedures for the Retired Delegate other membership-related functions as may be directed by the President to the Delegate Assembly and the Other Elected Members of the or the Executive Board. Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM). a. There shall be a delegate to the Delegate Assembly elected by and Proposed Language Change: from the Retired Membership of the organization; Section 5. Duties of the Membership Development Officer. b. i. There shall be seven elected members of the Committee on Active The Membership Development Officer shall work to promote member - Retired Membership (COARM), in addition to the Retired Delegate to the ship growth; shall present to the Executive Board recommendations with Delegate Assembly, who, by reason of the office, shall chair the Commit - respect to membership development; shall serve, by virtue of the office, tee; each such elected member of the Committee shall be elected by as a member of the Retired Membership Governing Committee on Ac - and from the Retired membership designated as belonging to a given tive Retired Membership (COARM) and as a member of the Membership Region as defined in Section 3.b.ii. of this Article, such designation being Committee; and shall perform such other membership-related functions determined by the location of the Chapter of which any Retired member as may be directed by the President or the Executive Board. had been a Regular member prior to retirement, provided, however, that any Retired member who had been a member of a Statewide Chapter prior to retirement shall be designated as belonging to the Region in Article V. Section 1. which such member’s primary work site prior to retirement was located; MOTION to rename COARM the Retired Membership ii. Regional Divisions for the purposes cited in Section 3.b.i. shall be as Governing Committee as provided below. follows: Capital District: Albany, Cobleskill, New Paltz, System Adminis - tration; Long Island: Farmingdale, Old Westbury, Stony Brook, Stony Deletions are struck through . Brook HSC; North Country: Canton, Plattsburgh, Potsdam; Western Insertions are underlined . New York: Alfred, Brockport, Buffalo Center, Buffalo HSC, Buffalo State, Fredonia, Geneseo; Central New York: Environmental Science and Forestry, Morrisville, Oswego, Polytechnic Institute, Upstate Medical Current Language: University; Metropolitan: Downstate Medical Center, Maritime, Optometry, Section 1. Composition. Purchase; Southern Tier: Binghamton, Cortland, Delhi, Oneonta. There shall be an Executive Board consisting of the officers and fourteen Empire State College Chapter retirees will be included in the Region in additional persons elected by the Delegate Assembly. In addition, the which such member’s primary work site prior to retirement was located; Chair of the Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) shall c. Procedures for nominations and elections shall be determined by the serve as a nonvoting member; the Chair of the Committee on Active Executive Board and shall be published to the Retired Membership; such Retired Membership (COARM) shall not be included in determining procedures shall be consistent with those established for Chapter elec - Chapter representation on the Board. Total membership on the Execu - tions to the Delegate Assembly, as appropriate, with the requirement tive Board shall reflect the approximate whole-number ratio by the that the term of office for the Retired Delegate to the Delegate Assembly categories of membership on the rolls of United University Professions. and the other Elected Members of the Committee on Active Retired The Executive Board shall include no fewer than one member from each Membership (COARM) shall be for a term consistent with that for of the five types of Chapters, as defined in Article VII, Section 4, of this Executive Board members; Constitution and no fewer than one contingent member, as defined in d. The Constitution and Governance Committee shall be responsible for
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 18 the conduct of nominations and elections called for under the provisions tunity Programs, Solidarity, Sexual Orientations United for Liberty (SOUL), of this section. Technology Campuses, UUP Outreach, UUP Scholarship, Veterans Affairs, and Women’s Rights and Concerns. Committees discuss issues, propose Proposed Language Change: solutions and/or resolutions and may form subcommittees for a particular Section 3. Nomination and Election Procedures for the Retired Delegate purpose. All Standing Committees shall report to the President, the Execu - to the Delegate Assembly and the Other Elected Members of the tive Board and, through the Executive Board, to the Delegate Assembly. ... Retired Membership Governing Committee on Active Retired Member - b. The Committee on Active Retired Membership shall be composed of ship (COARM) . eleven members, seven elected by and from the Retired Membership of a. There shall be a delegate to the Delegate Assembly elected by and the organization, two appointed by the President, and, by reason of their from the Retired Membership of the organization; offices, the Membership Development Officer and the Retired Delegate b. i. There shall be eight seven elected members of the Retired Member - to the Delegate Assembly. The Retired Delegate shall serve as chair of ship Governing Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) , in the Committee. The Committee shall work to encourage and promote re - addition to the Retired Delegate to the Delegate Assembly, who , by rea - tired membership; shall make recommendations with regard to organiza - son of the office, shall chair the Committee .; Each each such elected tional structures wherein retirees and the Union may continue their member of the Committee shall be elected by and from the Retired mutually beneficial relationships; shall propose means whereby the in - membership designated as belonging to a given Region as defined in terests of Retired members are referred to appropriate bodies; and shall Section 3.b.ii. of this Article ., Such such designation is being determined consider such other matters as may be referred to it; by the location of the Chapter of which the any Retired member had been a Regular member prior to retirement, provided, however, that any Proposed Language Change: Retired member who had been a member of a Statewide Chapter . prior Section 1. Standing Committees. to retirement shall be designated as belonging to the Region in which The Standing Committees of this organization shall be the Committees on such member’s primary work site prior to retirement was located .; Academic Medical Programs, Active Retired Membership (COARM ), Black ii. Regional Divisions for the purposes cited in Section 3.b.i. shall be as and Latino Faculty/Staff Concerns, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Vice Presi - follows: Capital District: Albany, Cobleskill, New Paltz, System Adminis - dents for Academics, Chapter Vice Presidents for Professionals, Constitu - tration; Long Island: Farmingdale, Old Westbury, Stony Brook, Stony tion and Governance, Compliance/Audit, Contingent Employment, Dis- Brook HSC; North Country: Canton, Plattsburgh, Potsdam; Western New ability Rights and Concerns, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Finance, Future York: Alfred, Brockport, Buffalo Center, Buffalo HSC, Buffalo State, Fredo - of Public Higher Education, Grievance, Membership, Negotiations, Oppor - nia, Geneseo ; Finger Lakes: Alfred, Brockport, Geneseo; Central New tunity Programs, Solidarity, Sexual Orientations United for Liberty (SOUL), York: Environmental Science and Forestry, Morrisville, Oswego, Polytech - Teacher Education, Technology Campuses, UUP Outreach, UUP Scholarship, nic Institute, Upstate Medical University; Metropolitan: Downstate Med - Veterans Affairs, and Women’s Rights and Concerns , and the Retired Mem - ical Center, Maritime, Optometry, Purchase; Southern Tier: Binghamton, bership Governing Committee . Committees discuss issues, propose solu - Cortland, Delhi, Oneonta. Empire State College Chapter retirees will be tions and/or resolutions and may form subcommittees for a particular included in the Region in which the such member’s primary work site purpose. All Standing Committees shall report to the President, the Execu - was located prior to retirement was located ; tive Board and, through the Executive Board, to the Delegate Assembly. ... c. Procedures for nominations and elections shall be determined by the b. The Committee on Active Retired Membership shall be composed of Executive Board and shall be published to the Retired Membership; such eleven members, seven elected by and from the Retired Membership of procedures shall be consistent with those established for Chapter elec - the organization, two appointed by the President, and, by reason of their tions to the Delegate Assembly, as appropriate, with the requirement offices, the Membership Development Officer and the Retired Delegate that the term of office for the Retired Delegate to the Delegate Assembly to the Delegate Assembly. The Retired Delegate shall serve as chair of and the other Elected Members of the Retired Membership Governing the Committee. The Committee shall work to encourage and promote re - Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) shall be for a term tired membership; shall make recommendations with regard to organiza - consistent with that for Executive Board members; tional structures wherein retirees and the Union may continue their d. The Constitution and Governance Committee shall be responsible for mutually beneficial relationships; shall propose means whereby the in - the conduct of nominations and elections called for under the provisions terests of Retired members are referred to appropriate bodies; and shall of this section. consider such other matters as may be referred to it; … s. The Teacher Education Committee shall monitor directives and propos - als from SUNY, the State Education Department, Board of Regents, and Article X. Section 1. state legislature that impact Teacher Education and Educational Leader - MOTION to establish the Teacher Education Taskforce as a standing ship programs and assist in developing UUP responses to such directives committee with the charge provided below and rename COARM and proposals; shall assess the impact of changes and new develop - the Retired Membership Governing Committee with amended charge ments in teacher education on UUP members, students, and SUNY pro - as provided below. Renumber other subsections appropriately. grams; and shall help activate members to advocate for sound policies and regulations, support services, and adequate funding to enable Deletions are struck through . teacher education programs to sustain high quality curriculum and re - Insertions are underlined . cruit and retain diverse students; … y. The Retired Membership Governing Committee is the governing com - Current Language: mittee for the Retired Membership of UUP. It shall be composed of one Section 1. Standing Committees. statewide elected Retired Delegate, eight elected regional representatives, The Standing Committees of this organization shall be the Committees on two presidential appointees and the UUP Membership Development Offi - Academic Medical Programs, Active Retired Membership (COARM) , Black cer who serves ex officio with vote. The Committee shall work to encour - and Latino Faculty/Staff Concerns, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Vice Presi - age and promote retired membership; shall make recommendations with dents for Academics, Chapter Vice Presidents for Professionals, Constitu - regard to organizational structures wherein retirees and the Union may tion and Governance, Compliance/Audit, Contingent Employment, Dis- continue their mutually beneficial relationships; shall propose means ability Rights and Concerns, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Finance, Future whereby the interests of Retired members are referred to appropriate of Public Higher Education, Grievance, Membership, Negotiations, Oppor - bodies; and shall consider such other matters as may be referred to it.
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 19 Labor notes
JBY aDARnRYLuMsCGRAaTH ftermath offers many bright spots for unions
n the aftermath of a knock-down, drag-out fight for the future of the labor movement, it’s some - times good to claim the small but important victories. In the case of Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 , that is exactly what the labor movement has Idone—but in this case, those incremen - tal victories add up to some encouraging results. In the Janus case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2018 that people in a bargaining unit who had never signed a membership card could stop paying fees in lieu of dues, while still claiming the negotiated benefits and protections KAREN L. M ATTISON of their contract. The landmark decision did not result in NEW PALTZ CHAPTER MEMBER MERCI DECKER GIVES VOICE TO THE PRO -UNION MOVEMENT AT A RALLY a mass exodus of union membership. In IN WASHINGTON , D.C. UUP ERS JOINED HUNDREDS OF UNIONISTS FEB . 26, 2018, TO PROTEST OUTSIDE fact, many unions, THE U.S. S UPREME COURT AS JUSTICES HEARD ARGUMENTS IN JANUS V. AFSCME C OUNCIL 31 . including UUP, added members, mostly by persuading fee payers that it would that are all the more interesting for being • Albany Medical Center, which is gener - behoove them to join, because without a so unexpected. Here are a few local, ally considered the second-largest private strong membership, the union would lack statewide and national examples: employer in the Capital Region, with a staff bargaining strength with the state for any • Based on analyses that did not become of nearly 9,500, has seen the back-to-back benefits, good or otherwise. available until just before Janus , 199,120, formation of unions in the last year. Albany But somewhat lost in the flurry of news or 76 percent, of the 262,000 new union Med nurses joined the New York State coverage about the most immediate and members in the United States in 2017 were Nurses Association last summer; now, a obvious effects of the long-anticipated case workers younger than 35. This is a trend group of more than 1,000 service employ - were some political and organizing gains to watch. ees at the hospital—including custodians,
AFT to Secretary DeVos: 2019 PDK poll includes educators, Keep the promise of PSLF shows what they know The AFT is asking its members—including UUP For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Phi Delta Kappan (PDK) members—to tell U.S. Secretary of Education Poll—the survey that measures public opinion about America’s public Betsy DeVos to save the Public Service Loan For - schools—has included teachers in its responses. giveness program, which Congress started in 2007, As the AFT has stressed for years, the survey shows that although because they know the cost of a college education makes it almost parents support educators, teachers feel undervalued (half of them impossible for public service workers to repay their student loans. have seriously considered leaving the profession), and long for more While these workers held up their end of the bargain, Secretary voice in the education decisions that impact their classrooms. DeVos and the federal Department of Education failed to hold up AFT President Randi Weingarten put out a statement in response to theirs. DeVos and department officials wrongfully denied PSLF appli - the poll, in which she stated that “parents and educators agree public cations, forgiving loans for less than 1 percent of the thousands of schools need far more investment to meet the needs of kids.” eligible borrowers who applied. Read the full PDK report at https://pdkpoll.org/results UUP has been holding debt clinics at chapters around the state. The clinics are designed to assist members in navigating the difficult PSLF Ohio State nurses ratify contract application process, and educate them about other loan forgiveness On July 11, the nearly 4,000-member Ohio State University Nurses and repayment options. Organization (OSUNO) —a local unit of the Ohio Nurses Association— Stand up for public workers and the PSLF program. Send an email ratified a landmark three-year agreement that includes wage to Congress at https://bit.ly/315oPP6 increases of between 15 percent and 18 percent for most members,
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 20 cafeteria workers and technicians—are organizing under 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. • A group known as “Area,” which recruits, Academic journal seeks proposals trains and supports Democratic candidates Proposals are being sought for Educator's Voice , NYSUT's journal of best practices nationwide, is focusing on New York City in education, which is dedicated to highlighting research-based classroom and with a plan to challenge the entrenched school/district-wide strategies that make a difference in student achievement. machine-style political system. Area plans The 13th volume will focus on the theme “Students with Disabilities: Access and to back a slate of state legislators from Equity in the School Community.” New York City for the 2020 elections. Under federal and state law and regulation, students with disabilities are entitled to a • Newsrooms are seeing a surge of free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. However, the unionization. HuffPost and the Los Angeles provision of special education programs and services is more than a basic educational Times , BuzzFeed , the Chicago Tribune , entitlement. Students with disabilities are to be afforded the same educational access and a legal journal called Law360 are re - and equity in the school community as their peers without disabilities. cent organizing successes. The path to a Due to the range of school settings across New York state, providing meaningful union contract is often no smoother in access and equity while meeting the individual needs for this population can present journalism than in many other businesses. unique challenges to educators. While thoughtful planning, professional learning, Still, the trend is toward unionization in a investment of resources, and the benefit of “lessons learned” are necessary considera - business that requires long hours; little, if tions for educators, there is no single path that ensures success. This volume will pres - any, overtime pay, and—often—a distinctly ent a range of practices designed to best meet the needs of students with disabilities. anti-union sentiment by management. The journal is looking for articles from educators across disciplines and grade levels Nieman Reports, a journalism industry that document successful practices in serving P-12 students with disabilities in their reporting project at Harvard University, school community, and/or in partnership with institutions of higher education. has tracked this trend. And it’s interesting Examples of submission areas include, but are not limited to: Access to the general to note that some of these pro-union education curriculum; positive behavioral supports; skill development for greater reporters say they are not just seeking independence; innovative programs and services; family and community engagement; better work conditions; they are seeking P-20 partnerships; higher education research and practice; participation in extra- ways to save their profession and create curricular and nonacademic activities; transition planning and support to post-school better journalism, and they see a union activities; and practices that support a positive school climate of integration and as path toward both goals. community. Read about this trend at For deadline and other information, contact Leah Lembo in NYSUT Research and https://bit.ly/31waICL Educational Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at (518) 213-6697.
safe nurse-to-patient ratios and a Special NEA Higher Ed Advocate phaseout of mandatory overtime. The new deal raises the bar for focuses on trends in faculty pay nurses at the Ohio State University The annual special edition of the NEA’s Higher Education Advocate Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. shows the purchasing power of an average, full-time faculty member “Our nurses pushed the medical in the U.S. in 2017-2018 reached its highest point in five decades. center to join us in raising the bar But these gains have not been applied evenly. for our patients, and through months of collective “Contingent and adjunct faculty, who represent action among our members, we were able to secure a monumental the majority of U.S. faculty, are far less likely to contract that benefits everyone,” said OSUNO President Rick Lucas. earn a living wage. Women faculty continue to Staffing had long been a concern for OSUMO nurses. In 2017, the earn less than male colleagues, although the union filed a mass grievance over staffing cuts in the progressive difference is closing in some ranks and sectors,” care unit that resulted in an increased patient load and put the according to the report. “Faculty at historically nurses at risk. black colleges and universities also are seeing a OSUNO joined the Ohio Central Labor Council, which helped the growing gap between their salaries and those at nurses build community and political support. The nurses created other land-grant institutions.” lawn signs with the slogan, “We support nurses at Ohio State” and Among the other key findings: Faculty at public institutions with canvassed neighborhoods, knocking on doors and asking neighbors bargaining agreements earned about $7,800 more than those to put up their signs. The nurses also met with lawmakers and let teaching at institutions without contracts. Read about it at them know what they were fighting for at the hospital. http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/hE/NEa_Salary19.pdf
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 21
Snapshots from the chapters
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Cobleskill Chapter COBLESKILL CHAPTER MEMBERS ENJOY A LUNCHEON MEETING MAY 21. UUP VP FOR PROFESSIONALS TOM TUCKER SPOKE WITH THE GROUP DURING THE CHAPTER ’S YEAR -END EVENT . I H C R A M I R T
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SUNY P OLY MEMBER SCOTT TENENBAUM , THIRD R FROM RIGHT , SHARES HIS THOUGHTS DURING A MAY 21 CHAPTER MEETING AT THE CENTER FOR
NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN ALBANY .
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Empire State College Chapter EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE CHAPTER PRESIDENT PAMELA MALONE AND UUP DELEGATE JOHN HUGHES CHAT WITH FILM Delhi Chapter PRODUCER ROBERT MILLMAN , LEFT , IN SARATOGA SPRINGS . UUP MEMBERS —INCLUDING DELHI CHAPTER PRESIDENT KELLY KECK , LEFT , AND ERICKA MILLMAN WAS ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FOLLOWING ERICSON , SECOND FROM RIGHT —TAKE PART IN A WORKPLACE CIVILITY WORKSHOP APRIL 30. THE MAY 22 SHOWING OF THE 52- MINUTE DOCUMENTARY ON GERRYMANDERING , “L INE IN THE STREETS .” T HE ESC CHAPTER CO -SPONSORED THE EVENT .
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O CHAPTER PRESIDENT JOE PETRICK WELCOMED R MEMBERS BACK TO CAMPUS AND SPOKE TO THEM ABOUT UPCOMING UUP ACTIVITIES . HE NOTED NEGOTIATED RETROACTIVE SALARY INCREASES AND STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTE-COPE, THE NONPARTISAN POLITICAL ACTION ARM OF NYSUT AND UUP. X O F E C U R B Buffalo State Chapter MEMBERS OF THE BUFFALO STATE CHAPTER DON UUP T- SHIRTS FOR THE ANNUAL J.P. M ORGAN CORPORATE CHALLENGE IN BUFFALO JUNE 14.
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Western NY Chapters MEMBERS FROM UUP’ S BUFFALO CHAPTERS ATTEND THE BUFFALO CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL PICNIC JULY 19 AT THE IRONWORKERS LOCAL 6 H ALL . F ROM LEFT ARE Stony Brook Chapter BUFFALO HSC C HAPTER PRESIDENT PHIL GLICK , NEWLY ELECTED STONY BROOK CHAPTER PRESIDENT ED QUINN, L EFT, S PEAKS WITH BUFFALO HSC C HAPTER VP FOR PROFESSIONALS REPUBLICAN STATE SEN. KE N LAVALLE AT A JULY 3 R ECEPTION FOR OUTGOING CAMPUS TOBY CRONK AND STATEWIDE VPP T OM TUCKER , A PRESIDENT SAMUEL STANLEY JR. MEMBER OF THE BUFFALO CENTER CHAPTER .
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 23 Affiliate news
Meeting Code Attendance Codes Atn atcceordnandce waithn UUcP epol icay, at re p2ort o0f at1tend9anc eN of eYlecSted UdeleTgat esR toA affiliate GS = General Session X = Present conventions is made available to all bargaining unit members. Below is the attendance com = committees at Session Brk = Breakfast la = late arrival report from the 2019 NySUt representative assembly held May 3-4 in albany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
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 24 In the news COMPILED BY UUP M EDIA AND PUBLICATIONS STAFF
In The News is a compilation of media in the last couple of months June 5: Good riddance (radio, television and papers across the state) featuring UUP. to Syracuse’s I-690, I-81 wreckfest: 'That merge Aug. 2: Maternal is terrifying' Mortality Review Syracuse.com Board created in NY (Syracuse, NY) WTEN, Channel 10 Upstate Medical University (Albany, NY) Chapter President Rich UUP President Fred Veenstra is quoted in this Kowal is quoted story about one of the extensively in this TV city’s most dangerous news report about the traffic areas. state creating a Maternal Mortality Review Board to investigate the deaths of women during childbirth, and to provide necessary recom - mendations to improve maternal health care for expectant mothers. May 29: The Capitol Connection #1922—UUP President Fred Kowal Capitol Connection, WAMC (Albany, NY) Aug. 2: MSU president Samuel Stanley arrives with record of UUP President Fred Kowal discusses a wide range of issues regarding achievement, controversy public higher education in this 30-minute interview with host Alan The Detroit News (Detroit, MI) Chartock. UUP President Kowal is quoted extensively in this story about former Stony Brook University President Samuel Stanley Jr.'s decision to become president of Michigan State University. May 28: Stony Brook U. president to take helm at Michigan State Newsday (Melville, NY) June 13: Fred Kowal interview: NY Renews Climate and Community President Kowal is quoted in this Newsday story about the departure Protection Act of Stony Brook University President Samuel Stanley Jr.; Kowal WOOC Radio (Troy, NY) said that UUP should be involved in choosing the university’s next President Kowal is interviewed by WOOC reporter Mark Dunlea president. at a June 11 rally for the CCPA at the state Capitol.
June 11: Fred Kowal: Bread And Circuses May 28: President Kowal on UUP advocacy WAMC Radio (Albany, NY) Capitol Pressroom, WCNY Radio (Syracuse, NY) In a commentary broadcast by WAMC, President Kowal warns that UUP President Fred Kowal discusses the union’s post-budget push listeners who take our democracy for granted do so at their own peril. for transparency at the SUNY campus foundations.
DeJesus named AFT executive VP Evelyn DeJesus—an AFT vice president and the vice president for education of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City—was recently elected AFT executive vice president. She was elected unanimously to the post July 10 by the AFT Executive Council to serve alongside President Randi Weingarten and Secretary- Treasurer Lorretta Johnson. DeJesus will finish out the remainder of Mary Cathryn Ricker’s term; Ricker was appointed commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education. DeJesus has served on the AFT Executive Council since July 2014 she also sits on the AFT Teachers Program and Policy Council. “I’ve known Evelyn since she was a chapter leader, and I remember people telling me, ‘You need to watch this woman,’” Weingarten said. “Evelyn inspires me every day. I can’t think of a leader more equipped to take on this national role. She knows in her soul what it means to fight for a better future for all of our members.” NYSUT
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 25 UUP benefits
MEMBERS ONLY BENEFITS UUP members are eligible to choose from a wide array of benefits and services. Join your union colleagues and sign up online at https://goo.gl/g4AQYX or scan the QR code at right to become a member today!
UUP Member Services Trust—Voluntary Programs
Aflac is supplemental insurance that offers coverage outside your medical insurance for short-term disability, accident, cancer and critical illness. Premiums offered through UUP are up to 40% less than market price.
Liberty Mutual offers a 10% discount off auto insurance and 5% off homeowners and rental insurance.
MetLaw (hyatt legal Plan) offers two options: a Family Plan ($15.75 a month); and Parent Plus, which covers parents and in-laws ($21.75). there are no deductibles, no copays, and unlimited use for covered legal expenses. MetLife Group Universal Life offers one policy with two benefits: a life insurance policy with a savings plan.
UnU P Member Services Trust Voluntary Dentnal and Vision Plans include coverage for: n UUP retiree members n Part-time employees who are UUP members n Surviving spouses of UUP members Surviving domestic partners of UUP members Members’ aged-out dependents (until age 29)
Mid-Island Mortgage Corp. offers two programs: the Union Direct Program is open to all UUP members. the Physician’s Mortgage Program is custom-designed for doctors and other medical professionals; go to https://goo.gl/tiUtV1 for a complete list of eligible professions. Both programs offer significant savings and flexible finance options for home purchases or refinances.
Real Estate Advantage Program through Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International realty offers rebates paid at closing on the sale and purchase of a home, apartment or condo.
Retiree members receive a $1,000 death benefit and the travel assistance Program through Unum life Insurance at no cost.
UUP Member Services Trust—Discount Programs Apple —Discounts vary AT&T —20% off your monthly bill BJ’s Wholesale Club —$15 off annual membership and one month free Brooklyn Nets —Up to 50% off ticket prices Enterprise Rental Car —Discounted vehicle rentals Goodyear —10% off all tires, maintenance and repairs hp Academy —Discounts vary Jos A. Bank —20% off all regularly priced merchandise Madison Square Garden —Discounts on seasonal tickets for rangers and Knicks, and the christmas Spectacular at radio city Music hall Mirabito Fuel —home heating and gasoline savings Sprint —5% off your monthly bill Doreen M. Bango, Director , The Walking Company —15% off exclusive footwear brands; chapter-based wellness pro grams Member Benefits & Services TicketsatWork —Discounts and special access to theme parks, shows, hotels, and more Verizon Wireless —19% off your monthly bill, plus 10% in-store/25% online off eligible accessories
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 26 Your Union Contract At Work!
UUP Benefit Trust Fund FAST Scholarship Program FACTS A new UUP Benefit Trust Fund Scholarship Program is available for undergraduate students; the program runs through the Spring 2022 semester. Scholarships of $500 per semester are available for eligible dependent children of ac#ve, UUPrepresented SUNY employees.
Eligibility and guidelines: • Scholarship awards can be used for books, • The scholarship form outlines specific criteria that supplies, or room and board costs; they UUPrepresented employees and their dependent cannot be used to pay for tui$on. children must meet to qualify for the scholarship. — There are two different forms based on a • A maximum of one $500 scholarship per member’s eligibility for the New York State dependent child will be awarded each semester, Health Insurance Program. NonNYSHIPeligible even if both parents are UUPrepresented employees will need to provide documenta$on employees. verifying that they are the parent of the • Eligible dependents, up to age 26, must be student. enrolled in a SUNY stateoperated campus. Dependent children who turn 26 any$me For more informa#on, call the UUP during the semester in which they are Benefit Trust Fund at 8008873863. applying are no longer eligible. • Each dependent child is eligible for a maximum of eight scholarships. Scholarship checks will be issued in the UUPrepresented employee’s name. For applica#ons, go to • Applica$ons must be postmarked by 60 days h$ps://bit.ly/2TlEkSA or aer the end of the semester for which the scan the QR code at right. dependent child is applying.
VOL . 6, N O. 1 T HE ECHO 27
What Do You Do When They Come For You? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Disciplinary Rights: Article 19 of the UUP Contract UUP representation provided to all UUP dues-paying members holding term, permanent or continuing appointment. The first step UUP members should take with any disciplinary action is to contact their UUP chapter leadership, who will contact your UUP/NYSUT representative. Refer to Article 19 of the UUP contract for additional disciplinary and other rights that you have: United University Professions PO Box 15143, Albany NY 12212 http://uupinfo.org/negotiations/contract.php 518.640.6600 800.342.4206 fax: 518.640.6698 www.uupinfo.org
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Interrogation Rights 1) You can only be suspended or reassigned if your If you believe that you are the target of disciplinary continued presence at work represents a danger to persons or property or would severely interrupt action during an investigative interview, ask for a operations. In such case, a written Notice of Discipline representative and invoke the following rights: (NOD) must be served to you no later than 10 days 1) You should ask the subject matter before after suspension or reassignment; or questioning, and have the ability to confer 2) You can be suspended or reassigned if you have been with your representative privately before charged with the commission of a crime. The NOD questioning begins; must be served to you within contractual timelines 2) To have your representative present during (Article 19.7 (a)(2)). the interview to provide assistance; and 3) To offer statements or evidence to prove Disciplinary Rights or support your version of the incident. If you are being disciplined, you have the right to request representation, and: Note: Refusal to answer questions before asserting your 1) Details of charges against you must be outlined in rights to a representative could result in discipline a written NOD; for insubordination. Speak to a UUP chapter 2) You must be served a copy of the NOD by certified representative for details. mail or personal service; and
Suspension or Reassignment Rights 3) You have 10 working days to file a disciplinary grievance to challenge the charges outlined in the NOD. If you are about to be suspended without pay or temporarily reassigned, request a UUP representative Note: Additional information may be obtained from your be present, and be aware of the following rights: UUP chapter representative.
THE ECHO VOL . 6, N O. 1 28