AFSCME 13 Contract Raises: Understanding the Pay Hike for Pennsylvania State Employees
As part of the Pennsylvania state government, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 13 represents over 40,000 workers across various departments and agencies. One of the major concerns for these workers is their salary and benefits, which are subject to collective bargaining agreements between AFSCME and the state.
In June 2021, AFSCME 13 announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the state government on a new contract that would provide raises and other benefits to its members. The news was welcome for many employees who had faced financial setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic and had not seen a pay increase in several years.
So, what exactly are the AFSCME 13 contract raises, and how will they affect state workers in Pennsylvania? Here`s what you need to know:
1. The contract includes a three-year wage increase.
The new AFSCME 13 contract covers the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. Over this period, eligible employees will receive a 7.25% wage increase, which will be applied in three installments of 2.5%, 2.25%, and 2.5%.
This means that workers will see a gradual increase in their take-home pay over the next three years, with the first installment effective from July 4, 2021. The wage increase will also be retroactive to July 1, 2021, which means that employees will receive back pay for the period between July 1 and July 3.
2. The contract includes a signing bonus and other benefits.
In addition to the wage increase, the AFSCME 13 contract also includes a signing bonus of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees. This bonus will be paid to eligible workers within 60 days of the contract`s ratification.
The contract also includes several other benefits, such as improvements to healthcare benefits, increased vacation time, and expanded bereavement leave. These benefits aim to improve the work-life balance of state workers and ensure that they can meet their daily needs and those of their families.
3. The AFSCME 13 contract raises reflect the value of public service.
AFSCME 13 represents a diverse group of public employees who perform critical roles in Pennsylvania`s government. The new contract raises reflect the value that these workers bring to their jobs every day and the appreciation that the state has for their contributions.
The contract raises also align with the national trend towards increasing wages and benefits for public employees. In many areas of the country, state and local governments are working to attract and retain talented workers by improving their compensation packages, which can help to reduce turnover and ensure that vital government services are adequately staffed and delivered.
In conclusion, the AFSCME 13 contract raises are an important development for Pennsylvania state employees, as they reflect the state`s commitment to supporting public service and improving the lives of its workers. By providing a wage increase, a signing bonus, and other benefits, the new contract helps to ensure that Pennsylvanians receive the high-quality government services they deserve.