Some healthcare workers in Massachusetts will see a bump in their paycheck, effective immediately.
An agreement struck Sunday night between the state and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 93 union will provide a temporary financial boost to healthcare workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re pleased to deliver this hard-earned pay increase for our members," AFSCME Council 93 Executive Director Mark Bernard said in a statement. "The agreement we signed with the state calls these increases ‘pay incentives,’ but we view them primarily as well-deserved recognition for the courage and dedication AFSCME human services professionals are exhibiting on the job every single day and night."
Licensed workers will get a $10-an-hour increase and everyone else will receive a $5-an-hour raise under the deal, which applies to members who work in state human services facilities and other group homes.
Eligible workers who have not missed a shift or a regular work day since Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency will also receive a $500 bonus.
There are about 6,500 front line health care workers who will benefit from the pay raises, according to the union, which represents about 45,000 public employees throughout New England.
The raise is expected to last until at least May 30, but could go longer. Bernard said AFSCME will also be working to have the increases paid retroactively to the start of the state of emergency in March.
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