Our NAPE contract allows the State of Nebraska to offer incentive bonuses to employees without having to negotiate over these payments. In late July, the State decided to offer sign-on and retention bonuses for certain job classifications at 24 hour facilities at the Department of Corrections, DHHS, and Veterans’ Affairs.
Annual hiring and retention bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 are being offered to Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Staff Care Technician IIs, Food Service Assistants, and Food Service workers. The State told NAPE it took this action to help immediately staff vacant positions and to encourage current employees to stay in their position.
NAPE expressed concern that all employees who were not included in these bonuses, and the temporary nature of such bonus programs do not solve long term staffing problems. NAPE requested to negotiate with the state regarding wages and working conditions, especially mandatory overtime language. The state has agreed that it is necessary to negotiate more permanent solutions, and we expect to begin mid-term negotiations on these topics in the coming months.
NAPE will host a webinar for employees that work at 24 hour facilities at Corrections, DHHS, and Veterans’ Affairs on Monday, August 30 at 7pm central time to discuss the negotiations process and our goals. To participate, please register in advance by clicking here.