The City University of New York (CUNY) has reached a tentative contract agreement with the union representing its faculty and staff, the Professional Staff Congress (PSC), which encompasses approximately 30,000 employees across the system. This agreement, publicly announced on Monday, is significant as it promises substantial across-the-board raises, retroactive pay, and other benefits, underscoring the commitment to delivering high-quality education to all students.
Effective from March 2023 to November 2027, the newly negotiated contract includes compounded annual raises exceeding 13%, retroactive pay, equity raises for some of the lowest-paid members, and a one-time ratification bonus of $3,000 for full-time staff, with part-time faculty receiving pro-rated bonuses. Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez emphasized the contract's importance, characterizing faculty and staff as the "heart and soul" of the CUNY system, stating, "Full-time and part-time faculty and professional staff are at the heart and soul of the CUNY system, responsible for fulfilling our mission to provide a high-quality public education to all students, regardless of background." This sentiment highlights the fundamental role of educators and administrative staff within the larger framework of community education.
The PSC had been advocating for this contract for nearly two years, facing multiple protests during its negotiations. Notably, earlier this school year, thirty union members were arrested during demonstrations aimed at pushing for raises at John Jay College. This wave of protests reflected widespread dissatisfaction among educators about compensation and working conditions, creating the groundwork for more assertive negotiations.
One of the notable provisions of the agreement addresses the pay structure for adjunct lecturers, which will see improvements starting in 2026. Beginning summer 2027, adjuncts will start getting compensated per course taught, showcasing CUNY's commitment to enhancing the financial circumstances of adjunct faculty. This change is viewed as one of the contract's most progressive elements, aiming to stabilize the incomes of faculty who often juggle multiple roles across different institutions.
Another significant enhancement is the expansion of paid parental leave, which will increase from eight weeks to twelve. This adjustment reflects the growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance and the need for institutions to support their employees in both their professional and personal lives.
The proposed agreement is still subject to approval by PSC members, who will vote online or by phone, and it also requires the CUNY Board of Trustees to sign off on it. The Delegate Assembly will meet on Thursday to discuss recommending this deal for ratification by union members, setting the stage for what is expected to be pivotal votes.
James Davis, president of the PSC and professor of English at Brooklyn College, expressed his belief in the contract's broader significance for the CUNY community, saying, "This contract will mean abetter education for CUNY students. That’s a goal we all share." His words encapsulate the sense of unity and purpose driving the agreement, emphasizing how the negotiations were not just about raises and benefits but fundamentally about enhancing educational outcomes for students across the CUNY system.
Negotiations of this nature are increasingly common across educational institutions, reflecting broader trends of labor disputes and the need for institutions to adequately compensate their staff. Educational institutions across the United States have experienced heightened scrutiny over pay structures, as faculty and staff advocate for fair compensation and benefits amid rising living costs.
Such negotiations are indicative of larger systemic issues within public education, where budget constraints often lead to difficult discussions about funding and salaries. This agreement at CUNY may serve as either inspiration or cautionary tale for other institutions grappling with similar challenges.
Overall, the tentative agreement marks not only significant progress for CUNY faculty and staff but also sets forth aspirations for improved educational experiences for students. If ratified, it will reshape the compensation framework within CUNY and potentially serve as a model for labor negotiations at other educational institutions.
With the future of the agreement dependent on upcoming votes, all eyes will be on how both faculty and administrative bodies respond to what could be significant changes to the CUNY educational experience.
