Non-union ECC faculty to get raises

Starting in January, Elgin Community College faculty members not part of the college's teacher's union could receive pay increases. For the first time, these raises would reward adjunct faculty with advanced degrees.

Non-union faculty members with less than a master's degree will receive a 1.2 percent raise per credit hour in 2008, and 3.3 and 3.5 percent raises in 2009 and 2010. Those with a master's degree or above will receive a 5.2 percent raise next year, and 3.5 and 3.4 percent raises in 2009 and 2010.

The current credit hour rate of $648 has been in effect since January 2005, and applies to non-union faculty members who have bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees alike.

The credit hour rates are $100 less than those paid to adjunct faculty members at the base level who are union members.

"The proposed rates for non-unit faculty members would parallel, but be lower than, those paid to unit adjunct faculty 1 members," the recommendation to the board stated.

The cost to implement this change on Jan. 1 is estimated to be $13,000, officials said.

ECC's board of trustees will vote on the increases Thursday.