Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced Friday a contract agreement with state public employees that will provide significant pay hikes, particularly to those working in some health care and high-demand jobs.
The state and the Nebraska Association of Public Employees reached an agreement in principle worth $47 million in new compensation. The union represents more than 8,000 public employees in agencies throughout the state.
“The agreement represents a substantial increase in pay for our members working within 24/7 facilities and across State government,” said NAPE Executive Director Justin Hubly. “Negotiating competitive wages has been a focus for our union, and this agreement goes a long way toward achieving our shared goals of retaining and recruiting the very best talent to serve our fellow Nebraskans. NAPE appreciates Governor Ricketts and his team for meeting us at the table and working collaboratively to make immediate improvements in the lives of our members.”
The new agreement, when it is finalized, would amend the 2021-2023 Labor Contract between the State and NAPE. Under this agreement, employees at 24/7 facilities and covered under this labor contract will receive a $3 per hour pay increase.
Starting on Nov. 1, 2021, there will be a 20% increase pay line adjustment for classifications identified as high demand and a 30% increase pay line adjustment for healthcare classifications identified as critical. The agreement also increases overtime pay at 24/7 facilities, and provides for an additional 2% cost of living adjustment that will occur on July 1, 2022.