ALBANY - Members of the union that represents most State University of New York employees have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement.

The four-year deal between the United University Professions and the state calls for a 3 percent salary increase retroactive to July 2007, followed by 3 percent increases in 2008 and 2009, and a 4 percent increase in 2010. Other provisions include higher location stipends for downstate and Mid-Hudson regions, $500 lump-sum payments to part-time employees who complete eight consecutive years of service and a pre-tax transportation program to reduce commuting costs.

UUP represents roughly 34,000 members and about a third cast ballots in the ratification vote, with more than 97 percent voting for approval.