“Restructuring” in action
From time to time you publish letters that are critical of University restructuring [“’Feelings’ vs. ‘Facts,” Mailbag, July 25]. These letters often say that wages at the Medical Center have been adversely affected since codified autonomy began in 1996. If by “adversely affected” they mean wage increases have not kept up with State-granted increases, this is simply not true. The truth is that wages at the Medical Center have increased at a faster rate than wages for State employees. For several thousand Medical Center employees, wage increases have not just outpaced those of State employees, they have increased at a significantly faster rate.
The “restructuring” that came to the Medical Center in 1996 has given us the flexibility to reward the hard work and the skills that employees bring to the job. Last year Medical Center employees earned between 3- and 6-percent raises. Annual raises at the Medical Center are consistently at or above those of State employees.
Why do Medical Center employees receive higher raises than State employees? First, the medical field is very competitive; we have to match and exceed the pay and benefits offered by other medical facilities in the region and even nationally. Secondly, we have a “pay-for-performance” philosophy. If you work hard, your efforts will be rewarded.
Our highly competitive pay rates and substantial annual increases are two reasons we had 2,000 applications for 95 entry-level positions in the first six months of this year. In addition, the Medical Center is committed to employee advancement. In fiscal year 2005 over 700 employees were promoted. In fiscal year 2006 over 840 employees were promoted. More specifically, a higher percentage of em-ployees in the lowest three pay grades received promotions than employees in the other pay grades.
All those in the community touched by the Medical Center know that our employees are compassionate, hardworking, talented and committed. They provide wonderful patient care. And the Medical Center, in turn, is committed to recognizing their skills and hard work.
Jeff Chitester
Administrator, Human Resources, UVA
Charlottesville
CORRECTIONS
A caption on last week’s 7 Days page switched the identities of the owners of Eppie’s restaurant. They are, from left, Charles and Dan Epstein.
Due to editing errors, the musical acts playing last week at Uncle Charlie’s were incorrectly listed. Twice. The phone number was wrong in two different ways, as well. The correct phone number for Uncle Charlie’s is 823-9600. To those who missed Indiscretion’s show there last Friday night, and to those who missed Matthew Willner’s show there on Saturday night, we sincerely apologize.