Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1938 [PAGE 542]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

S40

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[October 15

of football tickets has already exceeded estimated receipts. Consequently the Association has sufficient funds for these purposes.

On motion of Mr. Moschel, these adjustments were approved.

INCREASE IN WAGE RATES FOR PAINTERS (13) T h e Director of the Physical Plant Department reports an increase in the wage rates for painters from $1.00 to $1.12^ an hour, effective July I, 1937, and that beginning November I, these rates will again be increased to $1.25 an hour.

This report was received for record.

JANITORS' WAGES (14) On July 16, 1937 (Minutes, page 313), the Board authorized an increase in the wages of janitors from the present scale of 49 cents for day work and 53^2 cents for night work to 56 cents an hour. These employees had previously requested a rate of 60 cents an hour. They have now offered an alternative proposal, viz., a 48-hour week at 60 cents an hour with time off on a Saturday when it is necessary to work on the preceding Sunday. This proposal was referred to the Faculty Committee on Wages, and after careful consideration the Committee has reached the conclusion that it cannot recommend the adjustment requested for the following reasons: 1. T h e budget for the current year is definitely set and the same is true as to the budget for the biennium, since the income for the second year of the biennium is substantially the same as for the first year. 2. T o make any revision in the rate of compensation for any one group would necessitate reconsideration of the rates of many other groups. In the Physical Plant alone, it is estimated that, if the request of the janitors were accepted, other adjustments would be necessary to maintain an equitable relationship, so that the total added cost in that department alone would be from $18,000 to $20,000 a year. T h e committee does not feel it would be possible to limit such adjustments to one department without creating an injustice. Furthermore, if consideration is given to the adjustment of wage scales, the problem of salaries of appointed members of the staff would have to be considered. Such a revision is obviously impossible.

On motion of Mr. Pogue, the recommendation of the committee was approved. Mrs. Plumb asked to be recorded as voting no on this motion. On motion of Mrs. Plumb, the President of the University was requested to refer the matter of wages for janitors to the Committee on Wages for study in connection with the budget of the next biennium. At this point, Dr. Meyer took his place with the Board.

SKATING RINK REPAIRS (15) A S previously reported to the Board, the Skating Rink floor is in need of extensive repairs, due to the failure of the pipes under the concrete floor which carry the refrigerant. T h e Director of the Physical Plant Department reports that the cost of these repairs will not exceed a maximum of $30,000, and that the work may be done for less. T h e Directors of the Athletic Association have agreed to advance one-half of the cost of these repairs and to pay the balance before the end of the biennium, provided that the University will advance the balance (estimated at $15,000) from its funds as a loan. If the Board decides to assist the Association in making these repairs the Director of the Physical Plant Department should be authorized to secure bids on this work. In that event, he requests instruction whether his Department should also submit a bid.

On motion of Mr. Adams, an appropriation of $15,000, or so much