The State University of New York and United University Professions have agreed to a contract between the state and the union representing more than 35,000 white-collar SUNY employees.

UUP members, including those at the SUNY campuses in Canton and Potsdam, had been without a contract since 2011. The agreement won the approval of 77 percent of the members who cast ballots.

According to the state Budget Office, the agreement will save approximately $87 million in wages through a deficit reduction program over the contract period. Changes to health benefits will save $99 million over the contract period.

According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, provisions of the contract include:

· no general salary increases for the three years 2011-2013, and two percent increases in 2014 and 2015

· “deficit reduction program” involving nine days of unpaid furlough

· a two percent increase in health insurance premium contributions by employees earning less than $40,137, making the share 12 percent for policies for individuals and 27 percent for family premiums; and a six percent increase for employees earning $40,137 and above, making the share 16 percent for individuals and 31 percent for family premiums.

· benefit design changes for use of out-of-network services in the Empire Plan, including deductible and coinsurance increases for out-of -network medical benefits.

· a health plan opt-out provision so employees can opt out through a spouse or partner to a non-state health plan.

· payments of $500, $500, and $250 to be awarded to employees by the chancellor. UUP members receive no "step" increases or longevity payments but campus presidents may make performance incentive lump sum payments of 0.5 percent annually (one percent at end of the contract term).

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said she is “pleased that there will be a new labor agreement for these key employees for the next several years.”