MacIver News Service | June 25, 2013
[Madison, Wisc…] State workers will see a one percent wage increase in each year of the biennium according to the compensation plan released on Tuesday by the Office of State Employment Relations (OSER).The wage changes, which would be the first for state employees in five years, will cost an estimated $43.6 million including fringe benefits. The 2013-2015 budget includes funding for all increases in under Compensation Reserves.
In addition to the one percent increase, employees who make $14.75 per hour or less would receive an additional $0.25 per hour, while those making $14.76 to $14.99 per hour would receive the difference necessary in order to make a full $15 per hour.
“Because we made tough, but prudent, decisions over the last two years, we are now able to invest in our priorities,” Governor Scott Walker said, regarding the increases. “This includes an investment in Wisconsin’s state employees. Our budget contains a reasonable one percent general wage adjustment per year over the next two years, which is the first for state employees since 2008.”
The 2013-2015 compensation plan now goes to the Joint Committee on Employment Relations. If the Committee approves the changes by June 30, the plan will go into effect on the same day and state employees will receive salary increases on their July 25 paychecks.
Rep. Steve Nass’ (R-Whitewater) office told the MacIver News Service that Nass is supportive of the one percent increase but questions how the state budget will affect the structural deficit.
See the press release from OSER here.