July 30, 2024
A message from James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
Thank you for your memo regarding the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation (PACSC) Recommendation, in accordance with Policy 5, Salary Administration, University Support Staff, dated July 25, 2024.
I understand that the PACSC has met several times to discuss a compensation recommendation and that during these meetings, relevant information such as market data, the University budget, and other important factors were considered in preparing the proposal.
One such factor was that the traditional merit program should not be used in compensation considerations, as it was deemed not in line with current employment circumstances and the proposed changes to the Strategic Talent and Performance Framework. It is my understanding that over the course of this year, significant changes are expected to occur with the Strategic Talent Performance Framework initiative that will introduce a new performance development program, and your proposal of a one-year agreement reflects the timing of these anticipated adjustments.
In summary, you have presented the following terms in the Staff Compensation Recommendation for my consideration:
- Term of agreement: May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025
- The one-year staff salary agreement will not factor in the traditional merit program
- An increase in base salary of 4.7% as of May 1, 2024 for all eligible employees
- Employees with 5 years or more of continuous service as of May 1, 2024: one lump sum payment of $1000
- Employees with less than 5 years of continuous service as of May 1, 2024: one lump sum payment of $500
- An increase to salary scales by 7.7% as of May 1, 2024 and a review of the competitiveness of benchmark jobs in 2024 that will inform scale adjustments for the agreement effective May 1, 2025
- A continued contribution of $250,000 per annum to the Staff Excellence Fund during the term of the agreement, in which funds will be allocated through the current, established processes
- An extension of the Vacation Exchange Program to April 30, 2034 for retirement on or before May 1, 2037
After reviewing the proposed Staff Compensation Recommendation, I am pleased to approve the recommendation and have confirmed President Goel’s support as well.
Thank you to the members of PACSC for your thoughtful consideration and diligence throughout this process.