SUNY, NYSCOPBA agree to extend free, mandatory COVID-19 testing of NYSCOPBA -represented employees

State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras and NYSCOPBA Law Enforcement Vice President John Harmon today announced that SUNY and NYSCOPBA have reached a deal to provide free, mandatory COVID-19 surveillance testing for all NYSCOPBA-represented security service employees. SUNY now has agreements with all its major represented unions following similar testing memorandums of understanding with UUP, CSEA, PEF, and PBA.

“With the spring semester approaching, this brutal winter wave of coronavirus continues to shatter records and claim thousands of lives each and every day,” said Chancellor Malatras. “Required, routine surveillance testing for every person on our campuses is imperative to keeping our colleges and surrounding communities safe as we bring students back. I want to thank NYSCOPBA Vice President Harmon and the leaders of the other major employee unions who have signed testing agreements. Their diligence and partnership will ensure that we can monitor and contain the virus throughout the semester.”

John Harmon, Law Enforcement Vice President for NYSCOPBA, said, “Systematic and continuous COVID testing is vital in order to ensure that SUNY campuses are safe, not only for the thousands of students and faculty members, but also for the dedicated state employees who keep these campuses safe. NYSCOPBA is pleased to have come to an agreement with Chancellor Malatras to offer continued free testing through the spring of 2021 to NYSCOPBA members who work at the SUNY campuses. We are thankful to Chancellor Malatras for working with NYSCOPBA, and for recognizing the need to protect my members.”

Effective immediately and continuing through June 30, 2021, all state operated colleges, universities, and hospitals will conduct testing of NYSCOPBA Security Service Unit (SSU) employees who are required to report in-person to campuses for any part of their work obligation. SUNY currently has 274 NYSCOPBA-backed employees spanning 25 campuses.

Please visit the HR announcements page for the most up-to-date information from the college’s Human Resources and Payroll Offices.

Date Posted:  1/8/2021