Members of the Administrative Professional Association (APA) that are classified as Planner, Inspector, Analyst (PIA) II and IIIs are treated unequally at the Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF). The PIA Project Services group provide a critical service to the IFP through the planning, design, construction management, and completion of internal construction projects. Their effort and skills are crucial supports for student and research success.

Recent PIA IIIs hiring in Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC) precipitated an equity raise for only the PIA IIIs in one area while the PIA IIIs in Project Services have had their compensatory time/flex limited, no visible opportunity for advancement or equity increases, and the implementation of a retention policy with a known failure rate of 80%. In Project Services, the existing PIA IIs are awaiting reclassification to PIA III while PDC is hiring PIA IIIs without hesitation. Meanwhile, additional equity raises occur in the PDC department while the remaining IPF APA positions see no apparent consideration.

The perception is that the leadership of IPF has prioritized equity for only some of their department. These feelings are reflected in statements from APA members.

“Also, as I was typing this I just got word that PDC got a 20% bump in pay…the hits just keep coming.”

“Why are people, in the same IPF building, with the same job title of PIA in PDC receiving over $30k more per year than me and my peers in Project Services?”

“Why is a direct co-worker in my area 50 feet away receiving $13k more per year than me and my peers?”

“Why is PDC allowed to hire PIA IIIs and we are still waiting to be reclassified?”

The result of the current environment is a loss of respect and trust for the IPF leadership. The Project Services PIAs provide critical services to the University that ensure the success of our students and research. They deserve equal respect and treatment.

In an August 31, 2022 email to EVPA colleagues, Executive Vice President for Administration, Dr. Melissa Woo states, “we continue to prioritize efforts that improve operational and financial efficiencies, as well as ensuring we’re creating an environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.”

Under the current IPF leadership, the opportunities do not appear to be equal for all. We urge Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, Dan Bollman, to review the current equity raise, reclassification, and hiring processes to ensure equal treatment for all APA positions at IPF.