Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Panel recommends plan to raise N.D. government worker pay

Panel recommends plan to raise N.D. government worker pay

Sep 17, 2008 - 04:05:15 CDT

By DALE WETZEL
Associated Press Writer

An advisory board is recommending $76 million in salary and benefit increases for North Dakota state government workers over two years, a proposal that Gov. John Hoeven says may need to be reworked.

The State Employees Compensation Commission's proposal would provide money for 4 percent pay rises in 2009 and 2010. The percentage increase would not apply across the board, but each worker would get a minimum $75 monthly raise.

In addition, the recommendation asks Hoeven to raise the brackets within North Dakota's government system that are used to set employee pay.

North Dakota's state personnel system has 20 pay grades for employees who have civil service protection, each with a minimum and maximum salary. The recommended 8.1 percent increase would be used to raise salaries within those pay grades, not to give each worker an 8.1 percent rise.

Hoeven said Tuesday the proposed 4 percent pay increases could be sweetened and coupled with an "equity pool" of money. The equity pool would be earmarked for giving higher raises for government jobs that are paid much less than comparable private employment, Hoeven said.

The 8.1 percent increase for raising state pay brackets "sounds a little high," the governor said. "In terms of the 4 percent each year, we'll do that. I think we can do more than that."

Gary Feist, who is president of the North Dakota Public Employees Association, said the commission's recommendation was a welcome effort to make pay for state government jobs more competitive with the private sector.

Feist said an equity pool may be a better method of directing increased salary dollars to jobs where they are most needed.

"The commission's report is probably better than I expected," Feist said. "But I'm not sure it is probably in the best form that it could be. Maybe there's a different way of presenting it ... so it is more understandable what employees are actually going to get."

The advisory commission also wants the Legislature to continue providing fully paid family health insurance coverage for workers, a benefit now worth an average of $658 monthly. North Dakota government employees do not have to chip in a share of their monthly health insurance premiums.

The commission, which is made up of state officials and legislators, makes pay recommendations for the governor to consider in writing his budget recommendations. The Legislature controls the details of the final state employee pay package.

Last year, lawmakers approved money for a 4 percent pay raise for workers in July 2007 and July 2008. North Dakota's budget year begins July 1.

Feist said strong pay increases for state employees are essential to help North Dakota government compete for labor in a tight market.

"The turnover seems to be increasing. It's not just in those specialized fields," he said. "It is now happening in all job titles, where people are finding different jobs outside of public service, moving into the private sector, because of the growing economy and the different jobs that are now available within the state."

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Comments

GK wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:49 AM:

" We are also on the state health insurance and the prescriptions I get too, aren't so called prefered prescriptions and so they don't cover hardly anything. I don't think anybody that has health insurance aren't appreciative but to say everything is covered and paid for is out in left field. Not sure why the state won't look for better coverage at a less expensive rate then BCBS. "

Jim wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:49 AM:

" To Bis Prof: The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge. Also if you have health insurance take it instead of the money. I am 36 and have had cancer(no previous family history and a non smoker). There is no gaurentee of health from today to tomorrow.
To Lets be real: The vision and dental insurance thats offered is crappy and thats a fact, you can check it out yourself, Most private companies that offer it in town have better dental and vision plans at a lot cheaper premium. Also for a lot of health plans some items are fully covered and some or not, and its not just the state BCBS plans. I was a underwriter for a insurance company so I do know a little about what I just said and like one poster said here give them the money that private companies are paying and they can pay the 100-200$ premiums(employee portion) that employees are paying under private employers. "

Health Insurance wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:19 AM:

" I am a state employee and let me tell you how much my monthly prescription costs are - $358.00. That is only 3 medications that have been on the market since 1999. The health insurance does not cover anything and if you have a chronic problem it adds up quick. "

To Bis Prof wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:55 AM:

" for once I agree with you, free coverage is great, but when I never have used it in the last 4 years, who really cares. I too agree about the kids... "

Lets Be Real wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:25 AM:

" To Bis Prof who wrote, "Sorry "Lets Be Real", and by the way it's "Let Us," hence it's Let's, okay?"

Thanks for the free punctuation lesson but you must not have noticed that no symbols are recognized in the 'Name' space when a post is made. Hence, Let's comes out as Lets. Check it out. You will not see a name header with a symbol in it. No charge ; ) "

Bis Prof wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:57 AM:

" Sorry "Lets Be Real", and by the way it's "Let Us," hence it's Let's, okay?
Now, my health insurance does not pay my bills and I'm young enough not to care about health insurance. I say, give me the money! Also, i bet all the complainers are the same people who send their shockingly ignorant children to me and expect a miracle! "

Lets Be Real wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:19 PM:

" To LK who asked "Lets Be Real, excuse me but I apparently didn't get signed up for the health insurance that pays all the bills. Could you get back to all of us on that. "

Sure. The state offers BCBS medical and prescription coverage with no premium cost to employees and also offers a group costed vison and dental plan for those who wish to participate. Some items are fully covered, some are mostly covered with the usual deductable and co-pay. Just as I posted - "Health insurance pays all or most of your medical bills".

It's a good policy compared to many other employers, from what I've seen. It has real dollar cost to the state (taxpayers) and has real dollar benefit to the employee so it should be included in considering what 'earnings' are when comparing jobs. "

STATE EMPL wrote on Sep 23, 2008 3:01 PM:

" I love my job, I love my state. I appreciate what I do have. But the fact is I can do what I do in a position with a private business and make double what I do now. Heck I could make more at Mcdonalds. A 4% raise for me would mean 80.00 a month before taxes. It really is not asking to much. PS I work with the State's money everyday. I am an accountant. I work for the State because I enjoy the people I work with and making a difference. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining about what I have, I just think ND should be appreciative of the people that work for them. "

DOCR Employee wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:17 AM:

" as a public employee I do know a little about the way this commission works. I could systematically tear apart all the negative posts. but I am not. The commission takes state employee pay grades and compaires apples to apples. They then factor in years of service, merit, and etc. They don't factor in large metropolitan areas because that is not compairing the same thing. Public employees are just not where we are supposed to be. http://www.nd.gov/hrms/managers/comp.html. If your employer made up a table like this and your not even close to these wages you would be upset too. Even state emoloyees can do math. I am a Grade 10 and after 6 years I am about a 100 over the minimum. where as I should be closer to the 1st quartile. Everyone that I know didn't take employment with the state to get rich. We do figure our benefits as part of our salary. If you think we are payed to much I invite you to pick up an application and walk in my shoes for a day. If the Legislators and the Govener don't do somthing about the pay. Well I guess you get what you pay for. "

LK wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:36 AM:

" Lets Be Real, excuse me but I apparently didn't get signed up for the health insurance that pays all the bills. Could you get back to all of us on that. "

Settler wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:15 PM:

" mike posted - "This is because the state of North Dakota pays so terrible at all levels."

At 'all levels'? Based on what? Salary data on 'average' and 'median' pay ranges for jobs in the 'upper midwest' including cities like Minneapolis? Good luck getting $90,000 for an intermediate accounting job anywhere in ND, even though that might be the upper midwest median. I agree, some of the entry and mid level positions are pathetic as far as pay but there are quite a few excellent paying jobs in the state system at the higher levels with bonuses to boot that rival almost any jobs in the private sector.

The problem isn't the pay for all jobs in the state system. The problem is the pay for some jobs. That's what should be addressed. "

mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 22, 2008 5:23 PM:

" I would say that one of the big reasons for high turnover in my section has to do with travel expenses and waiting almost a month to be reimbursed. We travel alot and often times we are gone weeks at a time, and when you have to use your credit cards and wait to be reimbursed, it's challenging to say the least. My pay could be better, sure. But not having to shell out money upfront for travel expenses would trump any raise I would get. I can spend anywhere from a quarter to a third of my income on travel expenses in any given month. I believe that ND is one of the few states who makes their employees shell out their own money up front; at least for my position; other states in my line of work don't have to. We have spoken to our section chief about direct billing and so far nothing has been done. I was also told that travel advances are "one time thing" and then you're done. For having a billion dollar surplus, you'd think the state could figure something out! "

federal per diem rates wrote on Sep 22, 2008 10:04 AM:

" North Dakota per diem rates are not the same as the federal rates as Law stated. North Dakota's is $25 per day and the federal rate is $39 per day in North Dakota and can be much more in other states but I believe North Dakota uses federal rates for out of state travel. "

mike wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Just look at the number of state job openings - some are listewd with no closing date and instead say "Until filled." This is because the state of North Dakota pays so terrible at all levels. The state needs to face reality and increase the salary amounts in their job classification system. "

To Lets Be Real wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:15 AM:

" My understanding is the reason state employees have a fully funded retirement is because many years ago other state employees went without raises in order to have that fully funded system so state workers gave up something to get something they thought was important. Everyone thinks the benefits from a state job are so great. They are not great. They are appreciated but it is not a great benefits package. "

Mike G wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:53 AM:

" To: Lets be real.

The discussion here for the most part has been that state workers are underpaid for comparitive jobs in and around the state, add in the benefits they are getting and they are still underpaid and nobody has denied that because thats a fact. "Health insurance pays almost or all of your medical bills". If anyone has that kind of insurance please let us all know, we will switch. I worked in the health insurance industry for over a decade and the fact is that never happens. Yes they get fully paid retirement and health insurance, but they also pay a 100% of vision and dental premiums, like the other poster said if you have to travel you get to fork out money to get reimbursed back after a month long wait. How many private employers make you do that?. Please dont paint the picture thats its just a great thing. Remember the state employees part of the tax payers and paying taxes like you and me are. I worked for the private sector and also worked for the state and now i have my own business so I have been on both sides of the isle. Its also a fact that almost all state employees will pay the 100-200$ employee contribution that private sector employees pay for health insurance if they get what comparable private sector employees get for the same jobs. "

Law wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Temporary Forever, I've stayed in great hotels that have honored the state rate. Also you get $7.50 for lunch, 12.50 for supper, even if you do not eat or it costs less. The state uses the Federal perdiem rates so do many private companies and of course so does the Federal govt. The state needs to account to the taxpayers for our expenses and establishing a different perdiem rate would not be viewed as being good stewards of the taxpayers money. That is a major focus of every state agency. Like it or not that's one of the things you have to live with when you make your living on taxpayer money. "

Lets Be Real wrote on Sep 22, 2008 6:32 AM:

" Several people posted something like "benefits don't pay bills".

Of course they do! Health insurance pays all or most of your medical bills, for starters. People who don't have medical insurance have to pay cash for their medical bills. All benefits have a real dollar value to them, even if you aren't the one paying for them. In the case of state workers, the taxpayers are paying for them. Many people have to pay cash for the items you receive as benefits. Not everyone has paid vacation and sick leave, for example. Or a fully paid retirement plan. State workers have a great set-up, for the most part. Those who don't see that often seem to be the 'lifers' who have never worked outside of government. "

WU wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:21 PM:

" I am not sure I would say great benefits, no eye, lousy dental and I am sorry there are better insurance plans then Blue Cross. I am thankful for the health insurance we do have. Its sad when health insurance is a luxury in this country. The pay for state employees, is poor and really does need to be revamped! "

employed by ND wrote on Sep 21, 2008 2:46 PM:

" To Unpopular View, How sad that you are filled with such hatred and bitterness. It must be exhausting. If you think state employees are unfriendly than you haven't met me or my co-workers. We are well educated and professional and are courteous people. We happen to work in a job that is 'behind the scenes' so you never see our faces or even talk to us. But, we are here and we are here doing a phenomenol job. "

PAY THE WORKERS wrote on Sep 21, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Most government employees are under paid. Taxpayers want professional services, but dont want to pay for them. As soon as services aren't what citizens expect they complain. They have no appreciation for what an experienced employee brings to a job. Legislatures and commissioners DONT seem to understand is that it takes more money to hire and train than it does to retain. Government will never get it! "

Temporary Forever wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:14 AM:

" I also have a problem with the fact that if we can't find a hotel to stay in that accepts direct billing when we have to work out of town we are supposed to front that money. Why can't the state work out a better program than that. I shouldn't have to front money for the state of ND and I shouldn't have to wait a month to be reimbursed either. Well then the state rate for a hotel is $55 a night. Most hotels are $70+ per night. Why are we expected to stay in rat holes to save the state a few bucks? I think it's rediculous that the state cannot or will not provide better.
We also only get $7.50 for our meals when we have to work out of town. Most private companies give $40 for a full day out of office. What am I supposed to buy with $7.50? Happy Meals are sure healthy and filling. Talk about a well balanced diet.
I think the state of ND could afford to treat us better than that. I'm much less concerned about wages than the fact that when I have to work out of office I have to front money and pay the rest so I can eat or stay in a decent place. "

wally wrote on Sep 20, 2008 6:57 PM:

" mom of teens - Don't know what agency you are in, or if it would apply, but check into direct billing for hotel expense. Also, check into getting paid a percentage up front if you know approximately how much it will be. "

mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 20, 2008 5:17 PM:

" To an unpopular view, you don't know many state employees then!!! "

Mike G wrote on Sep 20, 2008 1:04 PM:

" To Wayne
Going by the same logic if the business you are working for is making profits, do you want them to just keep it and not give you a raise? I bet you want a piece of that pie. Just because its state doesn't change that!Just like the other post said benefits don't pay bills. Yes its great to have good benefits, but its not going feed them. I own my own business in town and I make sure some of the profit that I make goes to employees in raises, If i say to myself let me keep it all, i will be looking to hire someone 24*7. "

to Wayne wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Do you get raises at your job? Do you get cost of living raises? We too are tax payers. We deserve a yearly raise just like any other private or public employee. Your comment was not thought out very well. It was actually down right mean and ignorant. Are we as state employees supposed to stop getting raises just because you think so? We all have our bills to pay. Some of us have student loans to pay as well. Yes we get great benefits but it does not pay the bills or buy groceries when the cost of living far exceeds what our annual raises are. Being an intelligent person, I should not even dignify your comments with an answer but could not help myself. You have a great weekend! "

wayne wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:18 PM:

" well this is a sure fire way to use up the budget surplus money, give it to gov. employees, who already get great benefits "

MamaMia wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:02 AM:

" zzz: I regret making that flippant remark about the divorce. It was uncalled for and I apologize to you. Typed before I thought. I guess what I was trying to say is that you sound like you're just coasting along, as in "this is good enough for me", etc. and that doesn't sound to me like someone who wants to get the most out of life and a career. Heck, my profession is education. Did I ever think I was going to get rich doing that? HA! But never a year went by that I wasn't on a bargaining committee, or held some sort of office in order to fight for better pay, working conditions and benefits for myself and my fellow teachers. And, I must say, we made significant progress in that area. ND is still at or near the bottom of the heap as far as teachers' salaries go, but we're making progress. Have a great weekend. "

Mike wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:48 AM:

" To ZZZ
This is just my opinion but "reach for the stars" doesnt necessarily mean give up your dreams and make more money. To me it means in whatever you are doing if you try to be everything you possibly can be, you are "reaching for the stars". I just got done telling this to my 8yr old last night, if anyone thinks I am wrong please enlighten me so that I can correct myself with my 8yr old. "

jamie wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Here is a more full report
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=86747&section=news "

zzz wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:07 PM:

" MamaMia, I was just thinking about your comments a little more. On a personal level, considering my wife encouraged me to go back to college and to grad school to get the job I have, I'm guessing if she ever divorced me it'd be for some other reason. But, because I went into a field I liked, knowing full well I wouldn't get rich, I'm rippable because I didn't "reach for the stars"? Insult me personally, I really don't care. But I guess then that others that went into jobs admittedly more important than mine, like teachers, farmers, cops, clergy, military, nurses, etc., where they won't get rich didn't "reach for the stars" either? You must really think you're all that because you just managed to insult the majority of the American work force. "

Mike wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:45 PM:

" To My My My
If you feel that the state benefits are great, why arent you working for the state instead of whining about how bad it is in the real world. If you have a job where your employer doesnt pay any for your family coverage then yeah you might end up paying half your wage for insurance working a minimum wage job. Dont want to pay half your check, dont take health insurance, its really by choice you have the insurance, noone forced it on you. If you dont like it(its obvious you dont) go work for the state since you feel its so great there and you can stop whining because your insurance is paid. Its a fact that state jobs pay less than comparables whether you or anyone else want to believe it or not, but because its coming out of your tax money you are whining about it. The state employees pay taxes too just like you and I do. I worked for the private sector, worked for the state and own my own business now so i have seen both worlds and grass is always greener on the other side. "

come on my my my wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:02 PM:

" I am not aware of anyone paying 40-50% of their income on insurance premiums, unless you are working a minimum wage job and insuring your family. "

Bis Prof wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:50 PM:

" Give me that raise! I don't want to work 12 months so I need to make bunches of coin in just 9 months! "

my my my wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:21 PM:

" to FOOD FOR THOUGHT - yes some of these private sector businesses receive incentives from the state and county governments, but let's be honest - how many of them actually GIVE BACK to those same agencies? not many - so, instead of griping and whining about the wages that state employees make and their insurance bennies - and yes, the rest of us who are fortunate enough to get insurance also pay those same 25 to 50 dollar copays, but we are also responsible to pay for our insurance premiums from our employers because they are tooo tight to pay for them for us - so count your blessings state employees, come work in the real world once and have to pay 40 to 50% of your income every month to just the insurance premiums - that does not include going to the dr and purchasing prescriptions......figure that out once "

Food For thought wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Why is it is so difficult for people to criticize state employees...and yet expect all the services the state provides.
1) Student loans
2) Safe Highways ---oh ya we don't need roads
3) Safe communities
4) Consumer protection against fraud
5) public education support
6) parks, recreation
7) fishing areas
8) Land reclamation
9) and much more
to whom stated lets fire them and start over....easier said than done...haven't you every met bad individuals in private business as well as government?
Another food for thought..how many private business receive government help in many forms...... "

zzz wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:47 AM:

" "MamaMia", you don't know me, my family, or my values. I used to work 80 hours a week for years so don't tell me about "ambition". Mind your own house. "

MamaMia wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Unpopular View: You need to get out more. zzz: Have you ever heard of the phrase "reach for the stars"? Oops, I guess not. But you better watch out for the day when your wife/husband leaves you for someone with a little more drive and ambition. "

Just Curious wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:57 AM:

" To unpopular view,

If EVERYONE you meet is lazy and unhelpful, perhaps it's time for a little introspective look at yourself.

Tough to lend credibility to anyone who uses such blanket descriptions.

And no, I really don't feel like getting into a public discussion of he said-she said with anyone who has such a mindset. But thanks for playing. "

Deb wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:49 AM:

" To Unpopular View
Instead of whine about it here, is there anything you have done about it, like talking to someone about it and following up to see what action was taken. I bet you didnt. Quit whining if you dont have the guts to do something about the situation that you feel is wrong. If you have done this, common post the names and where these people work so that the fellow citizens know who you are talking about. I am sure you would know because you claim to have extensively worked with them. If you are here to whine, go find another place to post. "

to an unpopular view wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:45 AM:

" Please enlighten everyone with what agency you are talking about. I am dying to know what place employees all horrible people. And then also tell me what business you do with them. Are they collecting something from you, or do you think they owe you something or are you trying to collect your monthly payment? Please inform us.. "

An Unpopular View wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Having dealt with numerous State Employees at many different levels, this is my opinion: Fire everyone who works for the State - I haven't met one who has any customer service abilities or who actually cares about their job or who will actully do their job - from appointed by the governor to the person answering the phones. Raise the base salaries and hire new employees who will actually do their jobs and do them well. Giving existing employees more money is just throwing good money after bad. I know this will be unpopular but having dealt with these people over and over again, I haven't met a single one who is worth keeping in their job. "

dj wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:25 AM:

" to Employed.....If you are SICK of reading about state employees needing and wanting a fair raise then I suggest you stop reading the articles that make you sick. Problem solved.

As Far as getting a new job, it is not always that easy. We do like serving the public and I, like every other state employee pay their fair share of taxes. It is not just the people who work in the private sector who pay taxes. If I want my taxes to go towards a decent raise for state employees then so be it! "

zzz wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:42 AM:

" Mike, your comment about "poverty" is ridiculous. I don't see 2 people, making about $60K (me at $28K and wife at $32K) with no credit card debt and with some savings, as being in "poverty". I've seen true poverty and I'm not it in; I live within my means. Granted, a little more would always help but, as I said, I knew what I'd make in my chosen career and I knew it wasn't the duty of the taxpayers to dramatically increase my wage so I don't complain about it. "

Mike G wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:27 PM:

" To Employed: You obviously have no idea how private industries work, I own and manage a successful private company here in town and it is a fact that state employees are underpaid. Give them credit because they are doing public service even though they are underpaid unlike you who claim to have come to the private industry because it pays more.If every time someone pays $1/hr more if employees keep jumping the ship a business cant function. Obviously you don't have management experience.Going by the same logic if your job is advertised I will bet you I can probably find about 20 state employees that will take your job and you wont have a job because most of them will probably do what you are doing for about a dollar or two less because its more than what they are getting paid now. Get your facts straight before you just whine about someone whining "

Facts wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:18 PM:

" Give these hard working and hard-working state employees market value for wages and benefits and then make the Democrats pay for every last penny of it! "

Cant anyone just be satisfied wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:14 PM:

" Im a state employee and Im not naive enough to believe the final figure will be 8.1%, but I choose to enjoy the possibility! With the cost of inflation, the majority of employees are worse off than they were five years ago.public and private sector. There are companies in the private sector that pay their employees very well and there are companies that do not. No matter where you work, if you arent satisfied, do something about it or quit complaining. Think about it, your attitude and work ethics probably have a direct effect on your pay increases. Its been my experience that the employees that constantly complain about wages and benefits, amidst other complaints, are the ones that have an inflated opinion of their worth as an employee. Put a smile on your face, invest your time improving your job performance instead of complaining and say thank you the next time you get a raise! "

JP II wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:49 PM:

" Without pay increases in the state it will be hard to recruit decent employees... If you think customer service is bad now from state employees just wait until the quality of the employees drops dramatically. It used to be that a government job was a good deal... now it borders on screwing yourself over in the long run... It is better to try to stay on top of the situation... Playing catch up with wages after things get really bad is a poor choice. "

Bis Prof wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:23 PM:

" The turnover across the entire NDUS is 10% a year. New employees leave after about 2 years. I say, show me the money! "

mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:29 PM:

" I would just as soon the state pay my travel expenses I incur every month for my JOB upfront; instead of my having to shell out a third of my income to go to work; and then having to wait three weeks to be reimbursed! "

Personal discretion wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:24 PM:

" To "employed" - Why do you think it is unreasonable to pay state employees a salary equitable to the private sector? Why should good employees who like their jobs and it well be satisfied with working for less? Your answer of "just quit and go find a private sector job" makes no sense, don't you want good, well-qualified people working for your state government?
I've been a state employee for almost eight years - I'm sorry but the "equity pool" used last year was a joke as far as I'm concerned. We hired a new person in our divison doing the same job classification as I do earlier this year...I'm making about $53 more a month than that person AND I'm just barely at the first step past "start". What's wrong with that picture? "

Cateye wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:45 PM:

" To 'diggs' - Thanks for the explanation. You wrote "Work was completed that shows state pay grades are 3.5 - 14% behind the market value of other ND workers and those in neighboring states -- these are fact based numbers."

That's about all I need to know that the numbers are too high. Anyone who has done salary surveys knows that the numbers coming out of neighboring states are skewed to the high side from the large number of jobs in higher-paying metropolitan areas like Minneapolis and Sioux Falls that affect the average. Those numbers wouldn't work here in private business and are just as invalid in government jobs.

What some see taking place with state jobs is the same trend many see with all earners in our country. The gap between those who make a lot and those who make much less is widening. The people holding the higher positions are getting larger than average percentage increases and large bonuses. Those at lower levels are getting the standard increase and don't even know the state has a bonus program. How does the proposed plan address that gap? "

employed wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:35 PM:

" I am sick of reading that state employees don't get paid enough. If your job doesn't pay enough then get a new one. That is how business works. When I graduated I made the choice to work in the private sector knowing that the pay is better but the work may be more rigorous. Listening to people complain and do nothing about it is what this board is about. GET A NEW JOB or SHUT UP. "

Real Motive wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:48 PM:

" Is it possible Hoeven is looking to snag a few votes in buerleigh county by offering this pay raise? "Hey state employees here's a chicken for your pot!" I think state employees know when it comes down to it we will just be getting the 4 percent.

Vote the bum out! "

to JP wrote on Sep 17, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Obviously you have jealousy issues. If it is so great to be a state workers, maybe you should try it, or maybe you already are and are one who gives them a bad reputation. Look at comparable jobs between the state and private, you are backwards, because state wages are lower than the private sector. Unfortunately state workers are at the mercy of the tax payers and will always be held back. "

diggs wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:59 PM:

" Before the rumor mill gets started I would like to explain the compensation recommendation. 1st - Work was completed that shows state pay grades are 3.5 - 14% behind the market value of other ND workers and those in neighboring states -- these are fact based numbers. The 8.1% is the average it would take to raise the salary ranges to 95% of the market value. All state employees would not get an 8.1% raise. Hoeven thinks this is high? The research was done by OMB. 2nd -- the 4% per year IS NOT ACROSS THE BOARD -- it is performance and equity based and the minimum a person could receive is $75.

So some employees, depending on their salary range may only get a 3.5% salary range adjustment and $75 up to 4%. Some will receive more. Since I have worked at the state I have had 2 years of 0% raises and several of only 2%.

If you wish to contact me and get the real information I am happy to speak to anyone -- I am a member of the Compensation Commission and do not belong to any Employee group. I represent the state employees who elected me to the commission.

digger3865@yahoo.com "

kev wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:40 PM:

" I think this might be good for Bismarck since most of the employers here base their employees wages on what state workers in similar careers get paid. On the other hand it's just election year politics which means their blowing smoke out of their... "

temporary forever wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:10 PM:

" What about all of us temporary employees who never get benefits and never get permanent employment but are working for the state for years? What can be done for us? "

TO jp wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:55 PM:

" JP - you have no idea what you are talking about. I would say 90% of state workers are not overpd - unless they are legislators - and they work hard. A lot of them need to travel daily, weekly or monthly and be away from family. Trust me, the $75 a month does not go anywhere once you take taxes away, what's a $30 raise? A huge humilation! I bet if they had state employees have to pay for benefits most of them would choose to not take them - THEY SUCK! "

Mike G wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:55 PM:

" JP: Instead of levelling these accusations that state workers are overpaid please prove it, I am assuming you looked at the real data and saying all of this, please show us all the data and enlighten us as to who all in the state jobs are getting overpaid compared to private sector. "

Mike wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:21 PM:

" To all of you who commented that the across the board raises are a bad idea, I totally agree. Please call you legislator and let them know how you feel.

Also, for those of you who think state employment is so great you are right. The flexibility and job security are nice. However, for those of us trying to raise families and build up savings, a 4% raise this year is not adequate. "ZZZ" I do think for myself and family, thank you very much! If you want to live in poverty that is your choice! "

jp wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:12 PM:

" You state workers quit your COMPLAINING. Your all OVERPAID and UNDER WORKED!! Your making more money than the actual work you do. What about non state workers that been lucky to get a 4% raise after 3 or 4 years.. "

NRE wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Chatter- I agree completely. If you suck at your job, why on earth would you get a raise, be thankful you even have a job. This is one major issue with the state, if you work hard, you don't get a merit raise, all the equity money goes to people who have been there longer. So basically, don't work hard and just try and stay at the job for a long time and you'll get a better raise, doesn't make sense to me. I think the whole thing needs to be scraped. "

poor wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Gee.....I've worked their for 16 years and only make $30,000, have a 4 year business degree. Across the board 4% is unfair, not everone deserves that much and many more deserve more. I know I'm below what I should be. WOW, $75 a month, that'll buy me 3 gallons of milk a week, a loaf of bread and stick of butter. That is pathetic. Trust me, the insurance is not all it's cracked up to be with $25-$30 copays, deductibles, co-insurance, no vison coverage and dental insurace that would cost more in premiums than it would for a family of 4 to attend two times in a year. "

Gen Y in Bis wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Why does the state have such high turnover?? I'll tell you why. They have grumpy, unhappy people working there and there's no way to get rid of them. I hear older generations complain that my generation isn't loyal and doesn't care. That is just not true. We do care, but we want to feel valued and we refuse to work with people who hate their jobs and don't value our input. The State needs to "wake up" and start offering entry level positions. People who graduate from college don't have 4-5 years of experience. People leave this state because there are private employers willing to invest in the new graduates and teach them valuable skills. "

Seen the light wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:05 AM:

" I worked for the state for 6 yrs and was making $30k when I left for a private sector job in Bismarck with virtually the same duties. I was hired at $42k with full health ins. pd., 5% matching 401k, pension, free dental ins. free $100K life ins. and 4 yrs later I am at $60k. If I was still with the state, I would likely be making only $35k with inferior benefits. I can assure you that state employees are severely underpaid and underappreciated. I think that a make-up provision of some form would be wise, maybe 4% instead of 8. Would help make up for no raises in 2003-04 that state employees had to endure. Would also help reduce employee turnover, especially among the young motivated employees being held down by the grumpy lifers. "

Chatter wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:58 AM:

" I do not believe in across the board pay raises for any employee. The employee should only get merit raises. These raises are earned by performance. Not all employees work the same and should not be rewarded as if they do. "

Economic Conservative wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Jeez, with the excellent shape of our economy, huge increases in tax revenues comng next year, why don't we just give every state employee a 30% increase across the board? That should make everybody happy, don't you think? "

just a reader wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:43 AM:

" Very well put zzz......i see WAY to many greedy people, just look at the economy of our country..due to greedy people. "

zzz wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:21 AM:

" "To ZZZ" -- no, I work very hard, have a wife that makes about the same but have little debt. I just see too many people that start out at $25K and think they should make $50K. You signed on for the advertised starting pay; if you don't like it go do something else. If you're going to be a "public employee" realize that you're being paid by the taxpayers and that, for giving up some pay, you may have some more security in the long run. I just think for myself.

Frankly, if the Legislature would just pass a law that state employees would get cost-of-living increases, and then set aside a pot for equity adjustments and/or bonuses for good work, they could avoid this fiasco every 2 years. But I guess that's giving up the power they do have over employees. "

TK wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Gee, its funny how some got an 18% increase due to "reclassification" and the rest that work in the same location got 4% - and they are suppose to help these people on the roads in the winter - how fair is that???? "

BabyT wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Keep in mind state workers do not get a cost of living or inflation adjustment. If you are getting a 2 or 3% raise every year, as cateye mentioned, you are going backwards! Inflation jumps faster than that on average. I work for a department that suffers massive turnover because of extremely low wages in certain areas. It costs the taxpayer far more to deal with excessive turnover. You need more staffing overall, and the training time is unproductive time, not only for the new employee, but for the person doing the training. And finally, the health insurance offered by ND state government is laughable at best. We have coinsurance and deductibles that are several times higher than what is normally offered in the private sector. "

Cateye wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:18 AM:

" I was waiting for something like this as soon as the huge surplus was announced and everyone was scrambling around figuring out how to spend the money. The challenges the state has in finding good workers is also a challenge for every other employer in our tight labor market. Except private employers don't have virtually unlimited public funds to lure good employees with out-sized raises, fully paid health insurance, and a fully paid retirement program among the other benefits. Those are almost unheard of these days in the private sector where average annual raises probably run in the 2 - 3 percent range. "

About time wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:35 AM:

" to state employee: with near 13% turnover in 1st year employees maybe you need to think beyond yourself. It is costing taxpayers more money with all the turnover in state government. The costs of recruiting, retraining cost state taxpayers lots of money that could be used for services for our seniors and children. The fact that state employees do great work and have fallen behind is of great concern to many state employees who are also taxpayers.

I, for one, am glad that NDPEA is speaking up. And it was not only NDPEA it was a bi-partisan group of legislators as well. "

To ZZZ wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:27 AM:

" Ok. You are an interesting person. You make 28k per year and are going to be happy with a 4% raise which would be about $93 per month and willing to pay your fair share of you health insurance? Lets just say they have us pay $150.00 per month, How do you figure you are getting a raise? Apparently, you really do not need to work if you are willing to go backwards each and every month. "

zzz wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:33 AM:

" When I first saw this yesterday I thought it said everyone would get 8.1 percent on top of 4 percent, and I thought that was ridiculous. Now when reading it I'm just confused. I think 4 percent a year and health insurance paid is very generous. If we get 5-6 percent then we should start paying some of the insurance premium. I'm a state employee of 7 years will make about $28K this year, and that's what I figured I'd make in my field so I'm no fat cat. I'm a taxpayer too and the NDPEA does not speak to my values. "

snowball in july wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:25 AM:

" this is pure politics there is no way on God's green earth that Hoven is gonna help state workers like this plus even if he did the legislator would squash this
before the ink was dry. Why even report this it is an impossibility!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

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