Augusta - A group of case workers at the Department of Health and Human Services are getting a raise, and they can thank Governor LePage.

All caseworkers in the office of Child and Family Services who receive Step 1 or Step 2 pay will automatically be bumped up to Step 3. The raise is retroactive to August 10. "These are workers in the private sector can go and make a lot more," said Chris Quint, Executive Director of the Maine State Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989. "But this stance, it reaffirms what we've been saying for a long time. State workers are underpaid. And this really shows the real worth of what they are."

The state workers union would not disclose how much of a raise that is or how much those caseworkers will now be paid.

According to an email sent by Therese Cahill-Lowe, Director of the Office of Child and Family Services, the raise was granted after DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew toured worksites and talked to workers.

In the email, Cahill-Lowe says years of pay freezes have affected morale and the state's ability to recruit and retain caseworkers.

The state workers union resumes talks with the LePage administration on a new contract for all state employees next week.

The complete email from Director Cahill-Lowe:

Good morning,

As you know, Commissioner Mayhew and I have been going around to the districts to hear what you have had to share regarding what is going well and what you would like to see changed. We both heard over and over again the concerns raised about the freeze on merit increases and in particular, the impact that has had on caseworkers who have been at Step 1 or Step 2 for the past several years. It’s important to note we heard this from all levels; caseworkers who have worked for OCFS longer than 5 years, supervisors, PAs and staff at the Central Office have all voiced their desire to have these salaries examined and increased.

I’m happy to announce all caseworkers who were at a Step 1 or Step 2 will be bumped up to a Step 3. Caseworkers who are hired in the future will at least start at a Step 3. This will be effective retroactively to August 10, which was when the most recent caseworker began working for OCFS. You will likely see this increase in your paychecks within the next month. I will have more information on that within the next week and will pass it along as soon as I can. However, be assured as of August 10, you will be paid at the Step 3 rate.

On behalf of the Commissioner and myself, I want to thank you for your commitment to keeping children safe and finding permanency for them. We recognize what you do is a most difficult job and truly do appreciate the role you play in this agency.

Thank you,
Therese

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