Board of Governors statement on expanded core work hours

           We are celebrating 40 years of successful service to the people of Pima County and the citizens of Arizona. We are very proud of what the College has accomplished in the past 40 years. It certainly demonstrates what can be done when people work together with a common vision and purpose.

            We thank all of you who have worked at the College for the past 40 years. We're thankful for members of the community who support the College, not only financially through their taxes, but by giving their time and energy as members of the College Foundation and various advisory committees, as patrons of College performing arts events, and as fans of our many successful athletic teams.

            We are mindful that these past two years have been particularly challenging for the nation, the state and certainly the College. Financial resources are diminishing while enrollment is at unbelievable record levels.

            Our strategy from the outset has been to avoid the layoffs and furloughs that have swept Pima County and the nation, and we are grateful to be able to chart a course that will preserve the jobs of our employees, because you are the College’s most valuable asset.

            As part of our continuing strategy, we are expanding the work week from 37.5 to 40 hours. This represents a 6.7 percent increase in the number of hours worked. We recognize that we are asking employees to work longer hours, and obviously are happy to announce that we can adjust the salaries for all employees by 4 percent.

            Given the depth and breadth of the contraction of the economy, it’s impossible to know what the future will hold. That notwithstanding, the College will do everything it can to ensure that it returns to more traditional adjustments in salaries and wages, including Step increases, as soon as possible.

Posted: August 17, 2009