UVM’s faculty union, United Academics, published a press release announcing their approval of the tentative new three-year contract with UVM for part-time faculty. The agreement includes a two percent salary increase each year over the three years, increased UVM contributions toward health savings accounts, post-employment benefits similar to those for emeriti faculty, retention of rank and salary level for those who leave and re-enter the bargaining unit, and new titles and promotion opportunities for clinical faculty, according to the press release.”We are happy to report that there were no give-backs to the University, and we were able to build upon the excellent initial contract signed in 2006,” United Academics President David Shiman said. “We believe that we have made some valuable gains, particularly given the economic climate in which we negotiated.”  The union represents 160 part-time faculty at UVM.