Today the Department of Human Resources announced pay for performance salary percentage increases for employees rated Valued (2.5 percent), Advanced (3 percent), or Outstanding (4 percent). These increases are set to become effective January 2016. The department said employees can expect the increase in pay starting with their last paycheck in January.
“TSEA is pleased to see state employees being rewarded for the great work they do every day for Tennessee,” said TSEA President Bryan Merritt. “It has been nearly three-and-a-half years since state employees received a raise equivalent to 2.5 percent, and we are grateful for the recognition by this administration of the value of Tennessee’s workers.”
Commissioner Hunter told TSEA that since employees not under the TEAM Act (constitutional officers, boards and commissions, and others) received 2-percent raises, the administration worked hard to achieve the 2.5-percent to send a message that state employees in the pay-for-performance model are truly valued.
If you are an employee at the top of your salary range, according to the communication from DOHR, the increase will come to you in the form of a one-time bonus and will not increase your salary base.
Remember, since these pay for performance raises are not across-the-board raises, not all state employees will receive this raise.
DOHR’s October notification stated, “To be eligible for pay increases, a preferred or executive employee shall have completed twelve (12) consecutive full months of employment with the State of Tennessee beginning on or before October 1, 2014 and ending September 30, 2015 and have a rating of Valued, Advanced, or Outstanding.”
Last month the Department told TSEA that they are also working on market salary adjustments for state employees, also expected sometime in January, which could further increase salaries for some state employees. The market adjustments are referenced in today’s communication, and all employees will be eligible for any potential market adjustments.
TSEA awaits release of the actual salary administration policy for specifics. Please monitor your email for further updates about January’s pay for performance raises or additional information about market adjustments. If you have any questions, please contact TSEA at [email protected] or call 800-251-TSEA (8732).
