Frequently Asked Questions
2009/2010 Special Salary Actions
(Last updated 10-7-09)
Q1: Who is eligible to receive a base pay increase?
A1: All regular employees hired before July 1, 2009, and who have an annualized base pay of less than $35,000 will be eligible for a 3% increase to base pay.
Q2. Who is eligible to receive the lump sum amount of $750?
A2. All regular full-time employees hired before July 1, 2009, and who have an annual base pay from $35,000 to $73,999.
Q3: How were these pay levels chosen?
A3: These pay levels are based on the Salary Levels for medical coverage cost sharing.
Q4: Are regular extended part-time and regular part-time employees included in these Special Pay Actions?
A4: Yes, eligible part-time employees will receive a 3% base pay increase if their annualized base pay is below $35,000 and a lump sum of $375 if their annual base pay is from $35,000 - $73,999.
Q5. Who is not eligible to receive a 3% base pay increase?
A5. Anyone whose annualized base pay exceeds $35,000; anyone who was hired on or after July 1, 2009, or anyone who has already received a base pay increase in this fiscal cycle.
Q6: Is the base pay increase automatic?
A6: Yes, the base pay increase is an "across-the-board" increase and is not differentiated based on performance. This is a change from our regular process where an employee's supervisor assesses performance against an employee's work objectives and recommends an appropriate base pay increase.
Q7: When is this base pay increase effective?
A7: The base pay increase is effective October 1, 2009. For non-exempt employees, it will be in the October 16, 2009 bi-weekly payroll, and for exempt employees, it will be in the October 15, 2009 semi-monthly payroll.
Q8: When will the lump sum amount be paid?
A8: Non-exempt employees will receive their lump sum in the December 11, 2009 payroll and exempt employees will receive theirs in the December 15, 2009 payroll.
Q9: I received a Living Wage Increase that was effective September 25, 2009. How does this 3% increase apply to me?
A9: Effective September 25, 2009, you will receive the greater of $10.54 or your current rate plus 3%.
Q10: I started working at RIT in July, 2009. Will I participate in one of these programs?
A10: No, eligible employees must have a hire date prior to July 1, 2009.
Q11: I am eligible for the $750 lump sum amount. Will benefits be deducted from this payment?
A11: This payment is eligible for Voluntary Retirement Plan contributions. No other benefit contributions will be deducted from this payment.
Q12: I am receiving either the $375 or $750 lump sum payment. What effect will it have on my net pay?
A12: The lump sum payment is the gross amount prior to the withholding of taxes and any voluntary retirement deduction. Therefore, the net effect of your paycheck is the gross amount minus taxes and retirement.
Q13: I am currently on Short Term Disability or Workers Comp. Am I eligible for participation in these Special Pay Actions?
A13: Program eligibility is defined in questions 1 and 2 above. STD and WC employees are classified as being “active”, and therefore are eligible for program participation. Base pay adjustment or lump sum amount will be payable when STD/WC employees return to work.
Q14: I am on Long Term Disability. Am I eligible for participation in these Special Pay Actions?
A14: Employees on LTD are classified as being inactive. Inactive employees are not eligible for participation in either of these two programs.
