In a recent turn of events, Paine College has taken significant steps to address the concerns of its dedicated faculty and staff. After a period of uncertainty, the college has announced the restoration of insurance benefits for its full-time employees. Let’s delve into the details.
The Background
Paine College, a historic institution in Augusta, Georgia, faced a dilemma when it suspended health, life, and disability benefits for its employees. The abrupt suspension left many long-serving staff members feeling disheartened and overlooked.
Uzetta Gresham, a devoted employee with 25 years of service, expressed her disappointment: “We’ve been dedicated employees, we’ve worked through the furlough because we love the institution, we love our administration. But at this point, we just feel kind of let down and not really regarded” .
The Letter and Its Impact
The letter announcing the suspension came from LeRoy Summers Jr., the VP for the Office of Administrative and Fiscal Affairs. Notably, President Dr. Cheryl Evans-Jones’ name was conspicuously absent from the communication. The message seemed to convey a stark reality: “Don’t get sick, don’t become disabled, and definitely don’t die anytime soon” .
Seeking Solutions
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to employees, Dr. Cheryl Evans-Jones, the college president, issued a statement. Rising costs had compelled the college to seek a more cost-effective insurance provider. Simultaneously, negotiations with the previous provider had hit a roadblock, leading to the cancellation of coverage. However, the college remains committed to resolving the matter promptly and restoring affordable health and medical benefits for its employees. Vision and dental coverage remain active, and the college maintains a positive relationship with Aflac .
Moving Forward
While the timeline for resolution remains uncertain, employees like Gresham hope for a swift solution. As she aptly puts it, “We love the institution. But as a family, I think the love needs to be reciprocated. So I think that something definitely needs to happen”.
