Historically those adjustments are made every 3-5 years. The problem arises when the CEC allocation is less than the baseline adjustment. This brings about major salary compression and we see the accumulation of employees at the lower end of the pay line. After the mandated minimum is met, the remaining funding available for salary increases to move the rest of the employees on the pay line scale is drastically reduced. This can be brought home a little closer if you look at an example of individual employees.
Employee morale is devastated.
This is perceived as unfair and not rewarding the value of experience. This is a challenge for all agencies vying for employees, especially those competing with the private sector. Put a mechanism in place to fully fund mandated baseline adjustments so we can move everyone in the pay line towards market, not just new hires or those who fall below minimum. Any company making it in today's environment understands success depends on attracting and retaining a quality workforce. The State of Idaho is not different and the Legislature must address salary compression if the State is to compete.