The living wage standard at UW–Madison is increasing from $13.01 per hour to $13.27 per hour as of December 23, 2018. The increase applies to all University Staff and Temporary Employees. UW–Madison follows the City of Madison living wage standard, and is committed to paying a living wage to all University Staff in hourly positions. Employees do not receive the living wage if they are in special employment programs or if an individual indicates that a higher rate of pay would adversely affect their eligibility for benefits programs such as Social Security or disability. The living wage policy does not apply to student employees.

The UW–Madison Employee Benefits Preferences Survey closes this Friday, Dec. 14. All benefits-eligible employees are asked to complete this survey, which was sent via email from universityofwisconsin@mercer.com. The responses will help shape future UW benefits programs. The survey is confidential, with all responses going directly to Mercer, an independent human resources consulting firm. Paper surveys are being provided to those employees who lack computer access or would be more comfortable responding to the survey in a language other than English.

Campus bus service will be on a reduced schedule during winter break and will not operate on major holidays. From Saturday, Dec. 22–Monday, Jan. 21, campus bus service will be on “Recess Service.” There is no campus bus service from December 23–25 and December 31–January 1. Regular campus bus service resumes Tuesday, Jan. 22. Other Madison Metro bus routes will operate on holiday schedules on December 24–25 and January 1.

For UW–Madison employees who are paid on the first of each month, the monthly pay date for December 2018 earnings will be Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. 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.

This will be the final edition of Working at UW newsletter for 2018. Watch for our next edition on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year!