UAB President Ray Watts at the podium at the opening of the Shelby Biosciences Building in October 2026UAB President Ray Watts has announced that a 3 percent merit pay increase pool for university employees (Workgroups A and F) is once again planned, effective Jan. 1, 2027, for exempt employees, and Dec. 27, 2026, for non-exempt employees. UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella previously announced a 3 percent merit pool for Workgroup C and clinical faculty in Workgroup F.
Merit increases have remained a consistent priority for Watts. With this year’s pool, he has now delivered merit-based pay increases to university employees nine out of the last 10 years, with the COVID FY2020/21 being the only exception.
“Our employees’ commitment to excellence, to each other and to making a positive difference in people’s lives makes UAB a very special place,” Watts said. “Especially at this time when the results of our collective efforts recently secured UAB membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities, I am incredibly pleased and honored to again prioritize our budget in a way that rewards their hard work and many contributions to those we serve.”
UAB and UAB Medicine employees will also receive extra holidays at the year’s end.
In addition to the standard holidays observed on Dec. 25, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027, the following dates have been designated as additional paid holidays: Employees in all Workgroups will observe closures on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 2026.
Essential employees of UAB Medicine, UAB Police, UAB Call Center and units that receive personal holidays in lieu of designated holidays will have additional holiday hours credited to their holiday banks. Employees in these areas are encouraged to consult with their supervisors regarding staffing and scheduling expectations during the holiday period.
As with all UAB holidays, most campus operations will be suspended, while essential services will continue. UAB’s holiday schedule is available online.
“Our faculty and staff continue to demonstrate a commitment to our mission as a world-renowned university and academic medical center, as well as to improving the lives of our students, patients, the community and each other every day,” Watts said. “Our university and Health System leadership teams and I hope these extra holidays will serve as a reminder of our appreciation and a valuable opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday season.”