KU classified staff's vote to pursue alternative to civil service ends in tie

LAWRENCE -- A vote to decide whether University of Kansas classified staff would pursue an alternative to civil service ended in a tie Tuesday morning.

A vote for the change would have begun a process to remove KU classified staff from coverage by the state's civil service policies, offering new opportunities for funding that could support pay increases.

According to the University Governance Office, which was in charge of the vote count, 1,090 valid ballots were cast as of Monday, May 5. Of those, 545 people voted to pursue the change and 545 voted to remain part of civil service.

Human Resources Director Ola Faucher said that had the proposal passed, classified staff could have benefited from university funding that could be used to increase employees' wages. As civil servants, classified employees rely on approvals by legislators for pay increases and don't benefit from funds that come to KU through other sources.

Faucher said the work group that has been focused on this issue would meet on Monday to discuss the next step and to determine whether another vote would be solicited. The group will seek input on what should be the next step.

"Thanks to all the classified staff who took time to carefully consider the option and to cast their ballots," Faucher said.