About SJU's Just Employment Policy

What does “just employment” mean? What is included?
Just employment means that Saint Joseph’s University (SJU), as a Jesuit institution, makes a moral and ethical commitment to its workers through the terms of employment. This commitment includes the concept of cura personalis, care for the whole person, and acknowledges that this is part of the relationship between SJU and its workers.

The Just Employment Policy (JEP) addresses multiple issues associated with quality of life. The two most visible to employees are a living wage and access to campus resources

Living Wage: The JEP requires that SJU pay covered workers what is calculated to be a living wage for a household that includes one adult, according to this calculator. A living wage includes both direct wages or salary as well as contributions to medical premiums (medical, dental, vision). The JEP also requires SJU mindfully work towards a more robust living wage.

Resources: Everyone covered by the JEP has equal access to the resources of the SJU community to the extent controlled by the university and as permitted in contract terms. This includes the library, libraries, gym and other fitness facilities, cultural institutions like the museum and performances, programming, transportation services, and discounted purchase programs.

Additional issues covered by the JEP include:

• A preference for continuous and full-time work—where possible for SJU and beneficial for workers, the campus will hire workers for full-time positions and on a continuous basis for renewed contracts.

• SJU will take labor conditions into account when choosing products to buy for the University. This means a preference for producers that have fair labor practices.

  Who is covered?

• Direct employees—that is, everyone receiving a wage or salary from SJU, with the exception of the following kinds of positions:
  • emeritus faculty, graduate students, work study students, research assistants, research and academic fellows, resident assistants, grant and sponsorship funded positions, and volunteer professionals
• Service contract workers – those who work for businesses that employ at least 10 people and have a contract with SJU intended to last for at least three years
• Unionized employees—it’s important to note that the JEP does not preclude collective bargaining for the kinds of issues covered in the JEP, it merely provides a baseline
• Adjunct faculty
• Please refer to the Just Employment Policy for full definitions of those covered by the policy

What should I do if I have a concern about something covered by the JEP?
If you feel that your employment terms do not meet the JEP, please contact the Just Employment Oversight Committee. If you are not sure if your position is covered by the policy, you may also contact the JEOC.