New Hourly Rate Will Apply to Benefits-Eligible, Non-Exempt Bucknell Employees with at Least One Year of Service and Take Effect on Nov. 15
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Bucknell University President John Bravman announced today that the University will invest in the valuable work of its hourly employees by implementing a new minimum pay rate of at least $15 per hour for benefits-eligible, non-exempt University employees with at least one year of service (by Nov. 2022).
The increase from the University’s current minimum pay rate of $12.60 per hour is more than double the current federal and state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The new pay rate will take effect on Nov. 15 and will be reflected in Dec. 2 payslips.
“As the pandemic continues, Bucknell staff and faculty have adapted to ever-changing circumstances to overcome one challenge after another,” Bravman says. “We want to reward the critical roles our hourly staff plays in the overall success of the institution by providing them a more adequate pay rate for the valuable work they perform.”
Employees in regular, benefits-eligible staff positions — those scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours per year — are eligible for the rate increase. Competitive wages are only a portion of their total Bucknell benefits package, which also includes:
- Generous tuition benefits
- Healthcare (discounted cost for plans for those earning less than $40,000 annualized)
- Retirement plan (University contribution of 10% of base salary)
- Shift differential (a benefit many other employers have eliminated)
- Holiday time (approximately 14 paid days)
- Holiday premium pay
- Paid vacation time (including 12 days per year for new hires)
- Paid sick time
- Community service day
- Professional development opportunities
Employees with one year of service or less on July 1, 2021, will still receive $14.75 and increase to $15 within one year.
Contingent workers at the University — including employees of Parkhurst Dining (Bucknell Dining Services), Indigo Golf (the Bucknell Golf Club) and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore — are not employed by Bucknell and therefore ineligible for the rate increase.
Casual employees — workers who are hired for limited time periods to perform specific job functions on a temporary, as-needed basis — are also ineligible, although the University will continue to assess their pay rates.
For the current fiscal year, the hourly wage increase will be funded through a budget variance. Beginning in the next fiscal year, it will become part of the permanent operating budget.
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CONTACT: Mike Ferlazzo, 570-577-3212, 570-238-6266 (c), mike.ferlazzo@bucknell.edu