TSEA recently confirmed with TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker more details about the Department of Correction’s budget and salary plan, effective July 1.
TDOC’s base pay for Correctional Officer Security Series and Correctional Counselor Series will significantly increase on July 1, 2019 (see link below for a list of the new base pay amounts). We are incredibly grateful to Commissioner Tony Parker, Gov. Bill Lee, and the Legislature for this significant investment in Tennessee’s Correctional Officers and Counselors.
For Veteran Officers, pay will be adjusted to the new starting salary, or you will receive a 7.5% increase, whichever is greater. If the new starting salary is more than 7.5%, you will be moved to the new starting salary (regardless of the percentage). If the increase to the new starting salary is less than 7.5%, you will receive an additional increase equal to the difference and totaling 7.5%.
TSEA is grateful to Sen. Ken Yager who was instrumental in securing additional funding to help supplement the department’s investment in veteran officers.
These adjustments will raise Tennessee’s starting pay for these positions to number 1 among the eight contiguous states and moves us from 49th to 34th nationally.
This is great news for Correctional Officer Security Series and Correctional Counselor Series employees!
TSEA also confirmed Probation and Parole Officers will receive $1500 bonuses sometime before July 1, 2019. These bonuses were self-funded by the department to show the department’s commitment to PPO’s.
For those positions not receiving these same increases, earlier this month Commissioner Parker sent out a letter acknowledging this fact and promised to continue to ask for adjustments in future budgets. TSEA will also continue to advocate for these positions with the department, the governor, and legislators.
To view TDOC’s frequently asked questions sheet, which includes the new annual rates and answers to common questions, click here.
Thank you for the great work you do for Tennessee!
