News for Employees
-
Second Round of Employee Furloughs to Begin in January
Most UW–Madison faculty and staff will participate in a second round of Campus-wide, Intermittent Furloughs in the first half of 2021. The furlough structure in Round Two is identical to Round One, with the furlough obligations based on an employee’s annual pay rate. Every employee who will participate will receive a notification letter confirming their furlough obligation. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/9434z5.
-
Pay Plan Increases and Other Wage Changes
Under the 2019–2021 pay plan, most employees will receive a 2 percent wage increase effective in January 2021. In addition, a new $15 minimum wage for University Staff will be effective as of Jan. 17, 2021. More information is available at go.wisc.edu/6wt5hn.
-
Wiscard Office Open on Select Dates in January
The Wisconsin Union’s Wiscard Office team will hold in-service hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Jan. 4, 7, 11 and 14. The remainder of Union South will remain closed Dec. 19, 2020–Jan. 19, 2021. For more information about hours and services, visit wiscard.wisc.edu.
-
Campus Inclement Weather Guidelines
With winter weather approaching, faculty and staff are encouraged to review the university’s inclement weather guidelines. During the current pandemic, these guidelines apply to employees working on-site, not to those working remotely. Only the chancellor can close campus. Individual colleges and schools will not close unless the whole campus is closed. Employees are advised to use discretion regarding their health and safety and that of family members. A summary of the inclement weather guidelines, including leave options and policies in the case of weather-related absences, is available online in multiple languages. Find the details at go.wisc.edu/74j769.
-
Federal Emergency Paid Leave Provisions Set to Expire on Dec. 31
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was enacted on April 1, 2020, and provided paid leave entitlements to qualifying employees who were unable to work or telework for specific COVID 19- related reasons. (Telework is defined as work you perform while you are at home or at a location other than your normal workplace.) These paid leave provisions are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. After Dec. 31, 2020, employees who are unable to work or telework for COVID 19-related reasons will continue to have a variety of leave options available to them. However, employees will need to use their own accrued leave during their absences in order to receive pay. A summary of leave options for leave related to COVID-19 is available at go.wisc.edu/tu7624. This resource will be updated to reflect the leave options that remain after the FFCRA provisions expire. Learn more at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/emergency-leave.
-
Diversity Forum Offers Session Replays
This year’s virtual Diversity Forum, “The Pandemic Effect: Exposing Racism & Inequities,” explored a convergence of issues from racial equity and social justice to health care disparities and COVID-19’s impact on marginalized communities. Sessions from the two-day conference are now available for replay and can be accessed by registering at go.wisc.edu/df20replay. Diversity Forum Resources include handouts, presentations, links, and other resources from each session. Go to diversity.wisc.edu to learn more.
-
Holiday Food Sale Offers Takeout Items
Dining and Culinary Services at University Housing is offering holiday foods such as appetizers, pizza, sushi, and holiday cookies for pre-order and takeout. All orders will be available for pick-up at curbside at Carson’s Market through December 18 between 4:30–5:30 p.m. When you place your order, you will select a pick-up date and time. Please note that there is a three-day miniumum time period between when you place your order and when you pick up. Orders close on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at noon.
-
COVID-19 Testing Available in December with Some Holiday Closures
University Health Services (UHS) has issued its on-campus COVID-19 testing schedule for December. Please plan ahead and allow for upcoming holiday closures of test sites. If you traveled for Thanksgiving and returned to the Madison area, assume you have been exposed to COVID-19. UHS recommends that you be tested 3–5 days after your return, and a second time 10–12 days after your return. If you are an employee working on campus, limit your contact with others until you know your test results are negative. Details about the different tests, testing locations, and scheduling an appointment can be found at covidresponse.wisc.edu/testing.
-
Jan. 4 Is Monthly Pay Date for December Earnings
For UW–Madison employees who are paid on the first of each month, the monthly pay date for December 2020 earnings will be Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. To avoid tax-related issues, the January 1 pay date for December earnings is paid in the new calendar year and must be the first “official banking business day” following the New Year’s holiday.
-
UW–Madison’s Languages to Host Dec. 2 Meeting
UW-Madison’s Languages is an initiative to raise awareness of the value of multilingualism and to promote a more inclusive campus climate in which language is recognized as a key aspect of identity. The group will hold its second planning meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. In this participatory meeting, three ad hoc working groups will be formed, each focused on a specific area. For more information on the ad hoc groups and to register for the planning meeting, visit languageinstitute.wisc.edu/uw-madisons-languages.