FAQs: New Baseline Wage at UC Berkeley
1. Why was a new baseline wage implemented at UC Berkeley?
Following a thorough examination of the issues surrounding employee wages, and with the support of the Cabinet and the Committee on Academic Planning and Resources Allocation (CAPRA), the Chancellor has determined that the baseline wage for staff employees on our campus (with the exception of students and staff hired on a By Agreement or contract basis) will increase to $11.70 per hour, retroactively effective January 1, 2007.
2. Who is eligible to receive the baseline wage increase to $11.70 per hour?
Approximately 110 staff employees on the UC Berkeley campus will receive the increases. Human Resources has implemented the pay increase for eligible employees covered under the Personnel Policies for Staff Members (PPSM), and bargaining efforts are underway or have been completed with unions representing staff employees. While those currently earning less than $11.70 are not the only campus employees who face challenges with the Bay Area’s high cost of living, they represent the lowest-paid among our workforce.
3. Who will not receive the baseline wage increase?
Staff hired on a By Agreement or contract basis in titles such as Recreation Program Instructor and Camp Counselor and who are generally casual, part-time, or seasonal employees are not included. UC Berkeley Students (in Casual/Restricted positions) are also not included because their primary relationship at the University is as a student and not as an employee.
If you have questions about the baseline wage rate implementation, please contact your Employee Relations Specialist (http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/about/erservices.htm). You may also contact Employee Relations Customer Service at 642-7163 or via e-mail at askeru@berkeley.edu.
UC Berkeley, HR
July 2007