TEAMS and USPS Merit Increase Payments

Larry T. Ellis, Director

Starting today, university departments may begin the process of awarding merit increases to eligible USPS and TEAMS employees. These merit increases will be effective January 28 and must be entered by 5:00 P.M. on January 14. This deadline is very important since these increases will not be implemented later either retroactively or via “off-cycle” checks.

A “raise file” has been prepared by UF Bridges for use in awarding these (and future) increases. Please see the instructional guide at http://www.bridges.ufl.edu/training/docs/UFRaises.pdf for directions on how to update this file. For additional assistance, please feel free to contact Employment and Classification at employment@ufl.edu or 392-4621.

The security roles that are permitted to make entries into this file are:
* UF_HR Manager/Dept Admin
* UF_HR Level 1 Approver

In keeping with the previous guidelines distributed on November 15, to be eligible for the merit increases:
* Employees must have been in an established USPS or TEAMS position and in pay status on or before July 1, 2004. (Time in an OPS position will not count toward this six-month period.)

The following employees are not eligible for the merit increases:
* Employees who have had a probationary period extended. * OPS and visiting personnel. * Employees whose contracts have not been renewed. * Employees who are currently in an official layoff or time-limited ending status. * Employees who have received a final letter of dismissal. * Employees who have received a final letter of suspension in the last 12 months. * Employees who have received a written reprimand in the last 12 months. * Employees currently rated at below performance standards are not eligible for a merit increase. (Merit increases will not be rescinded should the employee subsequently receive a “below” rating.)

We recommend that a recent performance evaluation be used to support the basis of the merit increase. Questions regarding TEAMS and USPS performance evaluations should be directed to Gordon Carroll (gordon-carroll@ufl.edu).

Eligible bargaining unit members may only receive a merit increase subject to union negotiations. Thus, departments are reminded to withhold an amount of money proportionate to the bargaining unit members in that area. While these employees will be listed in the raise file, they will need to have their “checkmark” removed (as described in the instructional guide). All areas with AFSCME operational unit employees will be provided a list of the bargaining unit employees in their area.

We look forward to assisting you in this process-and best wishes for a happy and safe New Year.