Furlough Language – Offers/New Employees

(5/28/09)

ADDITION TO APPOINTMENT LETTERS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

Due to the severe economic conditions and the resulting budget deficit facing the state of Wisconsin, the governor announced that all state of Wisconsin employees,including University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty and staff, will be required to take eight days of unpaid leave per year (prorated for part time and partialyears) in each of the next two fiscal years: July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010, and July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011. Eight days of unpaid leave equates to a temporary 3 percent reduction in your gross earnings per year.At this time, the university is awaiting further guidance from the governor, the legislature and the Office of State Employment Relations regarding exactly how the governor’s announced furlough plan will be implemented.You should be aware, however, that the salary offered you is likely to be temporarily decreased by 3 percent annually in each of the next two fiscal years to account for this unpaid leave. You will be provided with more information about the furlough planas soon as the specific details are determined.

FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED APPOINTMENT LETTERS BUT HAVE NOT YET STARTED EMPLOYMENT

Dear x:

I am writing to inform you of a development since we offered you the position of XXXXXXXXXXXX.

Due to the severe economic conditions and the resulting budget deficit facing the state of Wisconsin, the governor announced that all state of Wisconsin employees,including University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty and staff, will be required to take eight days of unpaid leave per year (prorated for part-time and partial-years) in each of the next two fiscal years: July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010, and July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011. Eight days of unpaid leave equates to a temporary 3 percent reduction in your gross earnings per year. At this time, the university is awaiting further guidance from the governor, the legislature and the Office of State Employment Relations regarding exactly how the governor’s announced furlough plan will be implemented.You should be aware, however, that the salary offered you is likely to be temporarily decreased by 3 percent annually in each of the next two fiscal years to account for this unpaid leave. You will be provided with more information about the furlough plan as soon as the specific details are determined.

If you have questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,