Dear Members,

The end of the fiscal year is  approaching and we are all anxiously awaiting the funding of our contract!!

The Negotiating Committee met with  University Presidents Office in Auburn on Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to clarify our position regarding implementation  of the 37 1/2 hour work week.  

We took the opportunity to ask about funding.

We were assured that as soon as the Legislature finishes with the State Budget the funds for our raises will be appropriated. Once our contracts get to the floor of the House and Senate the process is usually very quick.

As soon as the funding is appropriated I'll send out another message. 

37.5 Work Week

Humans Resources hopes to have the conversion to the 37.5 hour week on the payroll system by the  first pay period of the new fiscal year.

Expected Changes on your  July 2006 payroll statements :

1. Your hourly rate will increase. To calculate your hourly rate your annual salary will be divided by 37.5 hours per week instead of 40 hours per week.  
2. The total numbers of hours accrued to date( July 2006) for Vacation, Sick, Personal time  will remain the same.
3. Going forward, hours accrued for Vacation, Sick and Personal time will be calculated on a 37.5 hour week.  ( a day will = 7.5 hours instead of 8 hours)
4. When you use time a day will be = to 7.5 hour

We were successful in clarifying our position on the implementation of the 37 .5 hour work week. Both parties agreed  that in this contract we negotiated a work week of 37.5 hours not a work day. We never agreed to a  mandatory unpaid lunch hour.

An more detailed explanation of the 37.5 hour workweek, summary of the contract highlights, major changes and the economic package has been prepared for your review. 

To view the new successor agreement  and/or  the summary  go to our web site at http://www.umass.edu/psumta

 Enjoy the summer,

Kathy A. Rhines, Acting Chapter President
Professional Staff Union MTA/NEA