The State of New Hampshire has recently released its collective bargaining agreement for 2018, outlining key provisions and benefits for state employees. Here are some of the highlights:
Wages: The agreement provides for a 2.25% increase in base wages for all employees, effective July 1, 2018. In addition, employees who are at the top of their pay scale will receive a one-time bonus of $650.
Healthcare: The state will continue to offer a variety of healthcare plans to employees, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) option. The state will contribute $500 to the HSA for individual coverage, and $1,000 for family coverage.
Retirement: The agreement provides for a 1% increase in the state`s contribution to the New Hampshire Retirement System, bringing the employer contribution to 11.17% of salary.
Vacation and sick leave: All employees will receive an increase in vacation time based on their years of service. Sick leave benefits will remain unchanged.
Other provisions: The agreement includes provisions for job security, layoff procedures, and grievance procedures. The state has also agreed to continue to provide tuition assistance to employees pursuing further education.
Overall, the 2018 collective bargaining agreement provides significant benefits to state employees. The wage increase, healthcare options, and retirement contributions are all positive developments for employees, while the provisions for job security and grievance procedures provide important protections. If you are a state employee, be sure to review the agreement carefully to understand the full range of benefits available to you.