MCEA WINS RECLASSIFICATION VICTORY FOR SALISBURY UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE

Kelly Hickey Receives $2,931 in Back Pay After MCEA Holds Salisbury University Accountable

SALISBURY, MARYLAND -The Maryland Classified Employees Association (MCEA) has secured another important victory for a Salisbury University employee. Kelly Hickey received

$2,931 in back pay-approximately two years of compensation-after MCEA challenged the University's failure to timely process her reclassification request.

Ms. Hickey submitted her reclassification request in May 2024, before Salisbury University implemented a reclassification freeze in July 2024. Despite her timely submission and repeated efforts to obtain a decision, the University failed to complete the required process.

The Contract Was Clear

MCEA filed a grievance alleging that Salisbury University violated Section 21.1 of the MOU, which requires the University to complete the reclassification process within 180 days of receiving a request.

No agreement was reached to extend that deadline.

MCEA argued that the University's later reclassification freeze could not be used to stop processing a request that had already been submitted. The freeze applied to the acceptance of new requests-not to requests already properly filed and awaiting review.

MCEA further relied upon Section 21.2 of the MOU, which provides for retroactive salary adjustments following a qualifying reclassification, as well as USM Policy VII-9.70, governing reclassification procedures.

MCEA Fought for More Than a Decision

The University's failure to act created a significant financial impact for Ms. Hickey. MCEA argued that the University should not be permitted to benefit financially from its own failure to follow the negotiated contractual process.

The grievance sought completion of the reclassification process and the retroactive compensation owed to Ms. Hickey.

The result: Ms. Hickey received $2,931 in back pay.