A SPECIAL MESSAGE AND COMMITMENT TO OUR EMPLOYEES
Key Commitment: Any regular employee unable to work their normal schedule will receive full pay through April 4 without the need to take leave – regardless of whether UMS has work for you to do through that time
UMS Colleagues —
I see every day your collaborative and tireless efforts to meet the needs of our students in our present crisis, as you’ve helped every UMS university shift to a very different operating model. Your dedication, contributions, and accomplishments in the last few weeks have been truly amazing.
The public health crisis has caused wholesale disruption in our work and personal lives, putting us all under a great deal of stress. While there are still many unknowns ahead of us, the stability of your paycheck is something we take very seriously. I am making the commitment that all regular employees will continue to receive their normal pay for their normal work hours through April 4 even if you are unable to work full-time during that time. This is an adjustment from guidance provided up to March 22, and will be updated following April 4.
Please continue to work remotely if possible or as part of our limited on-campus presence as already planned with your supervisor. However, if you are unable to work due to the temporary suspension or reduction of your department operations; if you need to be away from work to tend to children who are home from school or daycare; if you are following self-quarantine guidelines, are ill or tending to a family member who is ill; or if you simply need time away from work to tend to matters that you are confronting due to the crisis, you will continue to be paid through April 4, and there is no need to utilize sick leave or vacation time for these reasons.
Any UMS policies contrary to this commitment are suspended through April 4. Human Resources will provide more detailed guidance. And we will continue to work collaboratively with our collective bargaining units to find solutions to further challenges impacting the UMS workforce. Whether through alternative assignments or volunteer opportunities, we hope to find similar opportunities for stability for our student employees as well.
Bottom line: We want you to be able to take care of yourself while you take care of others. And remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) remains a free resource for you and your families at myCigna.com or 1-877-622-4327.
With gratitude,
Dannel Malloy
Chancellor
University of Maine System