Letter from President Yudof about employee salary increases

Dear Colleagues:

Over the last few months, many of you have been in touch with me regarding the possibility of systemwide salary increases for UC staff.

It is my hope that the passage of Proposition 30 last fall, and the proposed reinvestment in UC in the Governor’s budget proposal last month, mark a turning point for our university. After several difficult years, UC appears to be headed on the path to financial stability.

Unfortunately, we still have a way to go before the University stands upon a firm financial foundation. As you know, since 2008, UC has been forced to absorb nearly $1 billion in State funding cuts. Re-balancing the University in the wake of those cuts is still a work in progress, and one that requires many of the ongoing measures that helped UC survive the last few budget cycles.

As a result, I very much regret that we will not be able to implement systemwide salary increases for UC staff during the current 2012-13 fiscal year. This includes Chancellors and senior leadership.

I remain committed to implementing a systemwide salary program for staff as soon as the UC budget can support one. Last year, we were able to implement general salary increases for nonrepresented employees for the first time in many years, and it is my hope that we will be able to offer a salary/merit program for the 2013-14 fiscal year. I am dedicated to doing everything we can to achieve this.

It is important to remember that we are not alone in our budget challenges, and that employers everywhere are struggling to balance coping with serious financial difficulties while also properly rewarding their employees. As just one example, the State has implemented an employee salary reduction/furlough program of 5 percent this year. While UC has chosen not to go down that path, we need to be mindful of the continuing economic challenges confronting California.

Following the release of the Governor’s budget proposal in May, I will update you with respect to the possibility of systemwide salary increases for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

I remain firmly committed to the development and stewardship of our staff members, who are critical to ensuring that UC remains the greatest public university in the world. Thank you for your tremendous dedication and service to our university and to the people of California.

With best wishes, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Mark G. Yudof
President