Reminder: Classified Employee Salary Increases Will Be Implemented October 1

Pay Raise Just AheadWhy not July as usual?
Due to constrained budget resources, there weren’t sufficient funds to support meaningful, full-year increases in keeping with our market strategy. Delaying the timing of the increase saves the organization money, but also keeps us in line with our compensation market strategy and yields a higher base salary for VRS.

How will the increase amount be determined?
The increase basis this year is 2.3% with pay-for-performance differentials. The classified staff increase will be calculated in the usual way—using the May 2015 annual review score and the employee’s pay rate as of June 30. That increase amount will just be held off for three months.

What about healthcare premium increases?
Premium increases will occur in the September paycheck, as usual, so your September take-home pay may be less—it depends on what coverages you chose. Medical premiums for full-time employees increased by $12-$40/month, depending on the plan option. Dental plans didn’t change at all. Also, premiums are deducted on a pre-tax basis, so the effect on take-home pay is lessened.

What if I was supposed to get a probationary increase in July?
Probationary increases that would have been awarded to classified employees in July, August or September will be delayed until October 1 as well.