The Cuomo administration and the University United Professions union that represents SUNY employees today announced a tentative contract agreement through 2015 that includes a multi-year wage freeze and increases in health insurance costs for members.

“This contract agreement continues the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline while recognizing the vital role our university employees play in a strong SUNY system,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “I am pleased that through collaboration and working together the state has been able to reach a fair agreement with United University Professions.”

UUP is composed of more than 35,000 state university employees.

The union had been without a contract since 2011, making it one of the last remaining bargaining units to reach an accord with the Cuomo administration. Cuomo won concessions in his first year in office from the two largest public-worker labor groups, Public Employees Federation and the Civil Service Employees Association.

Under the terms of the tentative contract, wage increases will remain flat retroactively in 2011 through 2013, with 2 percent increases in 2014 adn 2015.

The agreement will also save $87 million in wages, according to the administration.

If approved, employees will also receive a 2 percentage point increase in health insurance premium contributions for those earning less than $40,137, making the share 12 percent for individuals and 27 percent for family premiums.

For thsoe maknig above the $40,137 figure, the contract would increse premiums by 6 percentage points.

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