Purpose
To explain the automatic processing of Lump Sum Bonus Payments for employees in Bargaining Unit 13 (SUNY Management/Confidential) and to provide instructions to agencies for processing or correcting payments.
Affected Employees
Employees who meet the eligibility criteria in Bargaining Unit 13 (M/C)
Background
Chapter 103 of the Laws of 2004, which implements the agreement between the State and various bargaining units, provides for a Lump Sum Bonus Payment for Management/ Confidential (BU13) employees.
Effective Date
Administration (Lag) checks dated 07/14/04
Payment Amount and Eligibility Criteria
The Lump Sum Bonus Payment will be $800.00 for eligible full-time employees.
In Bargaining Unit 13, the employee must be in Active full-time employment status on March 31, 2004. Employees must have at least one semester or the equivalent starting July 1, 2003.
The Lump Sum Bonus Payment will be prorated for eligible employees who are in other than full-time status.
Employees who meet the eligibility criteria but are on authorized leave on the eligibility date are entitled to the payment, if they return to the payroll during Fiscal Year 2004-2005.
Employees who are otherwise eligible and are currently on a Paid or Unpaid Leave of Absence with a reason of Military Stipend are eligible for the payment immediately.
Section 15 of Part B of Chapter 103 of the Laws of 2004 authorizes the Director of Budget to withhold the Bonus Payment from Management/Confidential employees in certain circumstances based on Agency Head recommendations.
OSC Actions
For Bargaining Unit 13 employees:
On June 22, 2004, OSC will automatically insert a row in the Time Entry page to process the Lump Sum Bonus Payment for full-time employees Active on 3/31/04 who meet the eligibility criteria. The following information will be inserted:
| Earns Begin Date: | 3/31/04 |
| Earns End Date: | 3/31/04 |
| Earn Code: | RBP (Ratification Bonus Payment) |
| Amount: | $800.00 |
Retirement Information
The Lump Sum Bonus Payment is included as salary for retirement purposes.
Bonus Reports and Agency Responsibility
On June 22, 2004, OSC will automatically insert a row in the Time Entry page and provide SUNY Central with a list of all payments that were added to the employees' records. The agencies are responsible to review the listing and determine that the payments are due.
Agency Responsibility
Agencies are responsible for identifying the part-time employees that are due a prorated payment. Agencies are also responsible for identifying any eligible employees who are on a leave status with the reason of Military Stipend.
Bargaining Unit 13:
Any employees who are part-time on March 31, 2004 are eligible for the Ratification Bonus Payment if they are Active on March 31, 2004 and worked one semester or its equivalent starting July 1, 2003.
Employees on Military Stipend on the Eligibility Date:
Employees who are otherwise eligible and are currently on a Paid or Unpaid Leave of Absence with a reason of Military Stipend are eligible for the payment that corresponds to their bargaining unit immediately.
Agency Procedures: Adding The Bonus
Agencies must add the Lump Sum Bonus Payment Earnings Code (RBP) on the Time Entry page for eligible employees who did not receive the automatic Bonus Payment. The following information is needed:
Bargaining Unit 13:
| Earns Begin Date: | 3/31/04 |
| Earns End Date: | 3/31/04 |
| Earn Code: | RBP |
| Amount: | Payment Amount |
Agency Procedures: Withholding the Bonus Payment
Section 15 of Part B of Chapter 103 of the Laws of 2004 authorizes the Director of Budget to withhold the Bonus Payment from Management/Confidential employees in certain circumstances based on Agency Head recommendations.
To withhold the automatic Bonus Payment, the agency must delete the transaction from the Time Entry page in the pay period that the Bonus Payment was added and enter an explanation on the General Comments page.
Correcting the Automatic Ratification Bonus Payment - Bargaining Unit 13
In the Pay Period 7-Lag, after the RBP (Ratification Bonus Payment) is added to the Time Entry page, the agency must change the Time Entry transaction as necessary. If the employee is not due the payment, the transaction must be deleted and the transaction saved. If the payment must be reduced, change the amount accordingly and save the transaction.
Payroll Register and Employee's Paycheck/Advice
The Earn Code, RBP, description and amount will be displayed on the payroll register and the employee's pay stub or direct deposit advice.
Questions
Questions about this bulletin may be directed to the Payroll Audit mailbox.