Return to Work Update
Posted June 19, 2020
June 19, 2020
Friends and Colleagues - In today’s message, I’m returning to more questions from the Chancellor's Q&A.
Early Retirements and Furloughs: A couple of questions were asked about whether there would be early retirement incentives or furloughs. While seasonal and grant-related workforce adjustments continue to occur as usual, voluntary furloughs and retirement incentive plans are not being considered at the moment as a system-wide policy. We will review the situation when we know fall enrollments and the state budget outlook later this fall. Meanwhile, each campus is allowed to consider their options based on their own finances. For example, the School of Medicine might do one thing while Edwardsville might do another.
Additional Compensation: Two questions were asked about whether there would be additional compensation for those who work on campus during phase 4. As above, it’s tricky but the short answer is that for represented employees, salary is a negotiated item. For non-represented employees, there are no plans to provide additional compensation for continuing to work on campus. Many employees have been able to demonstrate that they are fully able to fulfill their job duties remotely, which continues to decompress the campus' daily population for the safety of both those on campus and those working remotely. It makes sense for them to work remotely while the rest of us remain on campus in a less dense environment.
I am proud to say that since Governor Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home Executive Order took effect March 17th, SIUE has kept its regular employees in full pay status (seasonal and some grant-related workforce excepted). As we have all weathered the working challenges since March 17th as best possible, everyone’s flexibility and adaptability have been essential and greatly appreciated.
I’ll have more answers to questions next week.
Thank you for all you do. Keep supporting one another and stay well.
Rich Walker
Vice Chancellor for Administration
