Some UNC system workers might be receiving bigger paychecks in the near future. Governor Mike Easley has set aside $4.5 million to raise the salaries of low-paid state employees.

But not all University workers are eligible for raises from the state. Carolina Dining Services uses an outside company to operate the food services on campus. Its workers are not eligible for any of the money allocated for state employees.

Lenoir worker Bertha Norwood said she serves the students also, and Easley's plan should help employees like her as well.

"We are here to please [students], and that's what we do," Norwood said.

Easley's plan will provide state employees a minimum salary of just a bit more than $18,000 a year. The money would come from an administrative reserve fund.