UUA Office of Church Staff Finances
Guided by Unitarian Universalist values,
we equip congregations for excellence as employers
and their staff for financial competence and well-being. |
Compensation and Staffing News |
Editor's Note
Dear Readers,
Please let us know about changes to your staff and lay leadership all year long. For staff, this includes salary and hours changes, new home addresses, terminations, and retirements. Keep these links handy:
Faithfully, |
Jan Gartner, Compensation and Staffing Practices Manager |
How's It Going with the New-ish Salary Program?
It's been about a year and a half since we launched the new Congregational Salary Program, with its emphasis on process and values. We're eager to hear from you. What's working well? What's challenging? How has it changed your process? We have two versions of a survey – one for congregational employees and one for leaders involved in the process of setting salaries for staff. If you are both an employee and a leader who helps set staff salaries, choose the perspective you'd most like to comment from...or take both surveys.
Leaders, we appreciate you sharing these links with other leaders as well as with your staff. (We'll be sending the surveys out to congregational leaders and employees through a variety of lists soon, but we're aware that we're unlikely to reach everyone.) |
Exempt Salary Threshold Increasing July 1
As reported in the May issue of Compensation and Staffing News, the exempt salary threshold under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is set to rise on July 1, from $684/week ($35,568 annualized) to $844/week ($43,888 annualized). The threshold is scheduled to increase again, to $1,128 per week ($58,656 annualized), on January 1, 2025. While legal challenges could delay or change these increases, we need to assume that they are taking effect. Here are the basics, with links to more information:
Which employees will be impacted?
Any staff member classified as exempt through a "white-collar" exemption (executive, administrative, or professional) under the FLSA must earn a salary above the new threshold of $844/week as of July 1. Otherwise, you'll no longer be able to treat that employee as exempt unless you increase their salary. (As a reminder, exempt classification under the FLSA also requires that employees meet certain duties tests.)
Note: this change has no impact on employees classified as exempt under the ministerial exception, described below.
Does size of congregation matter? And what about part-timers?
The FLSA and related state-specific laws apply to nearly all business entities, regardless of size. While churches might be excluded as "enterprises," most workers are nevertheless covered by the FLSA as individuals.
The salary threshold is not prorated for part-time staff. In other words, a salary of $844/week will be needed as of July 1, regardless of number of hours worked per week.
What about the ministerial exception?
The ministerial exception falls outside of the FLSA, so the salary threshold does not apply. The ministerial exception is typically used for ministers and sometimes for other staff deemed to have "essential religious duties." We urge careful use of this exemption since it effectively denies employees the protections of the FLSA and certain other labor laws.
Where can we learn more?
These resources are referenced on our Worker Classification page (button below) and provide more information about FLSA recordkeeping exemption requirements:
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Attending Virtual General Assembly?
Look for these offerings from the Office of Church Staff Finances!
Pre-recorded Workshops
- D-38: Promoting Equity and Justice thru Compensation (Sean Griffin)
- D-48: Staffing Sustainably thru Shared Positions and Blended Roles (Jan Gartner)
Cohort
C-11: Sustainable Staffing Strategizers (3 sessions, choose AM or PM; Jan Gartner & team)
Virtual Booth
UUA Office of Church Staff Finances
We also suggest visiting the Religious Professionals Advocacy Team and main UUA booths. |
Continuing Education Grants Available
The UUA has money for Continuing Education for Religious Educators, Music Professionals, and Clergy! As religious professionals, it's essential that we invest in our own learning and growth. We have some funds left in our current fiscal year (until June 30, 2024) and would
prefer to get them out to you all rather than leave them in the coffers. You can use them for spiritual direction, courses & trainings, etc. If your staff need a little financial assistance to meet their religious professional needs, apply today! |
From Our Insurance Team: Transitions Webinar
Monday, July 10, from 12:00 to 1:00 ET
Join us for an illuminating session where we'll take you through the transitions process step by step. Whether you're facing changes in leadership, structure, or operations, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll be on hand to address any questions you have along the way. Don't miss
this opportunity to gain clarity and confidence in administering transitions effectively. If you plan to attend, register today! If you have any questions you'd like us to address during the webinar, please submit them using this Ask a Question form. |
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