Advice re UC Prof Salary Equity increase
My spouse has worked as a tenured UC professor for many years. She is almost pathologically unable to self-advocate, and I'm out of the loop enough that it is hard to follow her career possibilities. I recently noticed that new professors are earning more than she is after many years of service. That got me researching compression/equity increases. She does not seem to believe she can pursue a request as some parts of her performance (publishing) have been less than stellar. And yet I see how hard she works with long hours and can't believe her salary does not match that of a recent hire. My question is, is there anyone out there who can be consulted with to help navigate the UC personnel system, to advise on what to do, where to go, and whether there is a liklihood for getting an increase? I wonder sometimes about other potential benefits we may not be receiving because my spouse does not pay attention. Thank you in advance.
Parent Replies
If you suspect that male professors in the same field are earning more than she is for the same or less work, she might have an equal pay claim. I recommend that she (not you) contact an employment lawyer. But if she isn’t willing to reach out herself, there’s nothing that likely can be done, because lawyers need to talk to the potential client directly, not a family member. Good luck!
Hi, posting anonymously. I work at UC Berkeley as staff so I don't have direct experience as a faculty member navigating salary increases. I've heard anecdotally (I'm sure this is not the total picture) that faculty often have to have an offer from another institution to negotiate for a higher salary.
She can contact the Faculty Ombuds (https://ofew.berkeley.edu/faculty-ombuds), which is part of the Office of Faculty Equity and Welfare (OFEW). They will be able to confidentially listen to her concerns and provide her guidance. OFEW holds regular workshops on advancement issues as well. If you could get her to log you in so you could read the Academic Personnel Manual, you might understand the process better too and be able to help. Good luck!
I have a friend who was a full professor at Cal. When he received an offer from another school and planned to leave, Cal matched it to retain him. In the past he mentioned other people in his department who made substantially more then the other faculty because they would be paid that amount elsewhere.