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On June 25, county commissioners rejected a fact-finder’s report that recommended the union’s proposal should be the one adopted, with minor changes.
The PGO union represents children services caseworkers and others in Montgomery County.
Monday afternoon, county Administrator Michael Colbert said in a statement that county leaders respect the caseworkers’ difficult jobs in protecting vulnerable children. But, he said, the county’s final offer was fair and fiscally responsible.
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On June 20, fact-finder William Heekin issued his report supporting the union’s proposal on pay raises, with two adjustments. The county commissioners rejected that report June 25.
According to Heekin’s report, the county proposed eliminating a grandfathered pay scale, increasing the remaining scale 1 percent while also giving eligible employees a 2 percent raise (effectively a 3 percent combined raise for many). But some workers’ pay would be frozen if the “grandfather” changes left their existing salary above the top of their scale.
The union’s proposal called for larger raises, citing the increases other county employees had recently received – at least 6 percent in most cases when combining base pay and “step” raises, according to the report.
Heekin sided with the union’s call for a 4 percent raise, plus a 2 percent merit increase for employees who get a certain rating on their annual evaluation.
County officials said the parties met again, most recently on July 2, where the county made its final offer. Colbert’s statement said the county offered reasonable raises but has to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money, including human services levy funds.
“Our goal is to provide fair and competitive compensation, so that we can recruit and retain top talent,” he said. “Our PGO workforce is already well compensated, with our child welfare caseworkers the highest paid in our region.”
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