UAB Furloughs Staffers And Cuts Pay Amid Pandemic
UAB announced Monday that more than 300 university staff members will be temporarily furloughed in an effort to offset significant financial losses due to COVID-19. UAB Medicine projects a $230 million loss through the end of September. Meanwhile, the university projects a $40 million loss.
The furlough will begin May 10 and last until July 31. The University System said the furlough period could be shorter or longer depending on the impact of the pandemic.
The furloughs affect staff that can’t work remotely. UAB President Ray Watts said this includes jobs like carpenters. Furloughed employees will be able to retain their benefits, according to the university.
“These actions are a reflection only of the harsh economic realities of the COVID-19 crisis, not a reflection of the value of UAB faculty and staff or their job performance. We are disappointed that this action has become necessary,” Watts said in a press release.
UAB also announced temporary salary cuts for many clinical faculty and hospital staff including:
- School of Medicine staff who provide direct patient care or do clinical work as a regular part of their job
- University of Alabama Health Services Foundation employees who provide direct patient care or do clinical work as a regular part of their job
- Staff at UAB Health System
- Staff at Callahan Eye Hospital
Clinical department faculty at the School of Medicine will see an average pay cut of 7%. Senior leaders including department chairs will see a 10% cut. The other temporary pay cuts are on a sliding scale:
- Hourly wage employees making $15 or less per hour: 0% pay cut
- $0 – $31,200: 0% pay cut
- $31,201 – $50,000: 3% pay cut
- $50,001 – $75,000: 4% pay cut
- $75,001 – $125,000: 5% pay cut
- $125,001 – $200,000: 6% pay cut
- Greater than $200,000: 7% pay cut
UAB leadership also faces pay cuts ranging from seven to 15%.
This news comes just days after the university system announced it would stop matching payments to voluntary 403(b) retirement plans through the end of September.
UAB says faculty and staff who want to support their colleagues are encouraged to give to the UAB Benevolent Fund, which is now being applied toward UAB’s Coronavirus COVID-19 Relief Funds.
EDITOR’S NOTE: UAB holds WBHM’s broadcast license, but our news and business departments operate independently.
Talk therapy is up, and use of psych meds without therapy is down, a study finds
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
Why Israel plans to limit life-saving aid into Gaza. And, Diddy’s trial begins today
Israel's cabinet approved a plan to limit the way life-saving aid is distributed in Gaza. And, Diddy's trial begins today wth jury selection.
Jury selection in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial begins today
The trial for the rap mogul, who faces criminal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting to engage in prostitution, is underway. Opening statements are slated for May 12.
NIH cuts baby ‘Safe to Sleep’ team. Here’s what parents should know
For three decades the NIH has led 'Safe to Sleep,' helping parents reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related injuries. The NIH cuts come as cases have been rising.
A Soviet probe orbiting Earth since 1972 will soon reenter the planet’s atmosphere
Kosmos 482 has been orbiting the Earth for decades. It's still unknown if the craft will fall to Earth intact or burn up upon atmospheric reentry.
‘Tailoring Black style’ is the theme of the 2025 Met Gala. Here’s what to know
Expect to see a focus on menswear: jackets, trousers, suits, hats, and maybe a cane or two.
