The rector of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Jaume Carot, announced a salary increase for assistant lecturers just three days before the start of the rectoral election campaign. The increase, which was initially announced in January by the Ministry of Education, will equate the salaries of assistant and collaborating lecturers, with retroactive payments to January 2025.
The timing of the announcement, so close to the election, has raised concerns among some faculty members. While the UIB highlights that the increase was announced months prior, the close proximity to the campaign raises questions about its political implications.
The salary increase, approved by the regional government for €1,577,388.26, will result in an annual gross increase of €7,976.50 for each assistant lecturer. This increase will be reflected in their May salaries.
The rectoral elections are scheduled for May 21, 2025. Carot is currently the only known candidate. The new term will be six years, instead of the previous four, due to changes in legislation. The announcement comes just before the start of the official campaign period.
The salary increase addresses a long-standing demand from the UIB and labor representatives for improved working conditions for assistant lecturers, a measure viewed as necessary to reduce the number of temporary positions in the institution. It's also part of a broader effort to enhance the stability and recognize the vital role of assistant lecturers in the university.