It is that time of year again. Every year at this time people’s thoughts turn to Merit. What is it and how do I get it?
Merit is outlined in the Collective Agreement (Article 9.5). Merit is awarded in either a lump sum or an “add to base” allocation to ASPA members when their “proficiency, growth and levels of performance are considerably better than what is viewed as normal and recognizes exceptional contributions.”
It is intended that up to 60% of eligible ASPA members will be awarded a merit award in any given year with approximately two thirds receiving base salary merit increase and the other one third receiving lump sum bonuses.
Eligibility for Merit requires that a member “must be in the same position, in the same department as of November 1 of the current fiscal year” (Article 9.6.2). Neither your individual status nor the status of the position you are in determine your eligibility for Merit.
The exact merit process depends on the unit/department/college that you are working in. Most units/departments/colleges have their own process. As a general comment however it is the ASPA member’s responsibility to submit documentation to their supervisor in order to be considered for merit. You should speak to your supervisor about when this documentation needs to be submitted by and what the exact process is. Your unit/department/college will need to provide Human Resources the names of those selected for Merit by June 15th.
For more information on Merit or to access the forms please go to: https://working.usask.ca/manageperformance/considerpositionreview.php or contact ASPA’s Member Services Officer at darcy@aspasask.ca or 306-966-7392.