UBC’s 2022 merit program for eligible staff, and update on process for certain excluded staff covered by the performance-based increase (PBI) process

As you may know, UBC offers an annual, performance-based merit program for those who have passed their probationary period and are at or above the midpoint of their salary range. This year the following groups are eligible: 

• Management & Professionals (AAPS) 
• Executive Administrative staff (i.e., excluded clerical) 
• Farmworkers 
• Non-union Technicians and Research Assistants 

The merit program is intended to recognize eligible staff for their outstanding performance. As in previous years, participation is required. Consistent commitment to the program across the university helps ensure its integrity, as well as our ability to retain and recruit outstanding staff. 

Staff should be evaluated on the basis of their meritorious performance, as opposed to other factors such as equity and market pressures. This helps to reinforce the purpose of the program, which is recognition and reinforcement of outstanding performance. 

For the merit program, approval has been obtained to apply salary increases (where appropriate) up to a maximum of 3%, not including any potential General Wage Increases (GWI) that may come as a result of the BC Provincial Government’s negotiating mandate. 

Process for excluded Management & Professional staff

Excluded Management & Professional staff (XMP), Service Unit Directors (SUD), and Associate Vice-Presidents (AVPs) are not included in the merit program, as their compensation is governed by a separate process, known as performance-based increase (PBI). 

The excluded staff detailed above are not eligible for the BC Provincial Government’s GWI increase, and this is considered when establishing the PBI rate. In light of this, and in an effort to be consistent with past practice, the university has decided to delay establishing the PBI rate for excluded staff until the BC Provincial Government has communicated the GWI. Should there be a delay beyond September 1, 2022, all increases will be processed retroactively to that date. We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information.

Processing merit increases

Human Resources has recently provided department/Faculty administrators with information about the program, as well as department-specific spreadsheets, to process the merit increases. You can learn more here.

If you need further guidance please contact your senior HR leader. Thank you for supporting this important program.

Jerry Chen
Associate Vice-President, Human Resources (Communities of Expertise)