General Pay Plan 22 Percent Increase (corrected title)
Feb 06, 2023 1:56 am
Hi ,
General Pay Plan (GPP) 22% Raise
Under the leadership of Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, the government of Guam has taken a bold and commendable step towards ensuring that its hardworking employees are adequately compensated. After a long wait of nearly a decade, the General Pay Plan (GPP) pay structure has finally received a much-needed boost with the approval of a 22% increase. This move by the governor is a testament to her commitment to supporting the island’s public servants and ensuring they receive comparable compensation with their private sector counterparts.
The GPP pay structure applies to a significant portion of the government of Guam employees in the classified service who are not covered under separate compensation packages for critical roles such as nurses, law enforcement officers, educators, attorneys, and executives. The last time the plan was adjusted was back in 2014, and the governor has stated that the island’s hardworking employees have waited far too long for these much-needed adjustments. To put this in perspective, the minimum pay set in the 2014 GPP is still $7.25, and this increase adjusts it to Guam’s minimum wage of $9.25.
To fund these adjustments for the current fiscal year, the governor has submitted legislation appropriating $16 million from the government’s general fund. The bill proposes that the raises take effect from April 1, 2023, and will bring the pay and associated compensation closer to market data. The Department of Administration (DOA) has recommended the creation of a “Market Premium Pay” policy to address compensation issues for positions that demand higher pay than the GPP can compensate.
In addition to the 22% salary bump, the DOA has made several other recommendations aimed at ensuring that the GPP stays relevant and up-to-date. This includes annual pay adjustments in the range of 2% to 4% beginning fiscal year 2024, as well as adjustments to the statutory stand-alone pay scales for GPP positions. The GPP update is part of a series of updates to government pay structures, beginning with nurses’ pay in 2021, followed by law enforcement pay and then educator pay.
The governor has expressed her support for the bill and has urged its “prompt introduction and passage.” The raises are also included in the fiscal year 2024 executive budget request, which is set at about $1.12 billion. The budget recognizes the importance of parity and has allocated more than $23 million for the GPP, which is expected to require more funds next fiscal year.
In addition to funding the GPP, the FY 2024 executive budget has proposed recruiting and hiring 110 public safety personnel, including 40 police officers, 20 corrections officers, 30 customs and quarantine officers, and 20 firefighters. This is in line with the governor’s stated commitment to reducing crime and protecting Guam’s families. The budget is set at $69 million more than the Legislature projected in general fund and special fund revenues for FY 2023, which Adelup has justified by pointing to trends in current tax collections.The 22% increase to the GPP pay structure approved by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is a step in the right direction and a great opportunity for government of Guam employees to receive the compensation they deserve. The governor’s leadership and commitment to public servants, along with the recommendations made by the DOA, will ensure that the GPP remains relevant and up-to-date for years to come.
A public hearing was tentatively scheduled for February 14, 2022 at 9AM but has since been cancelled. More details on the next public hearing will be forthcoming.
Fired for Fixing Computers: Guam Homeland, Civil Defense Termination
Leo Espia was terminated from his position and argues he was fired for simply doing his job. Robert Koss, representative from GFT, believes Espia is caught in the power struggle between Homeland Security adviser Samantha Brennan and Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves.
Espia’s termination was due to setting up computers. The computers were established under the direction of Esteves and had been in use for years, but when Brennan discovered them she saw it as a security breach and terminated Espia. Esteves contacted the Civil Service Commission and claimed the termination was unjust, rescinding Brennan’s decision.
Brennan refuses to acknowledge Esteves as an agency head and argues she is in control of the termination.
Koss believes Espia will be reinstated and the longer the dispute continues, the more financial liabilities accrue for the people of Guam. Espia simply wants his job back as he was following orders from his supervisor at the time. The next commission hearing date has not been set.
Unjust firings can happen to anyone. GFT members can expect reasonable assistance to get your job back. If you are not a union member, you risk fighting the case on your own, and possibly spending on hefty legal bills. Spread the word. Make sure your coworkers know what’s at stake.
GFT Mourns Death of Former Senator Jose “Pedo” Terlaje
It is with heavy hearts that we offer our condolences to those who are grieving the loss of former Senator and Yona Mayor Jose “Pedo” Terlaje. Pedo was a shining example of what it means to be a public servant and a dedicated leader, serving his community and his country with distinction. His passing is a loss not just to those who knew him personally, but to the entire community he served so selflessly.
Pedo lived a life of integrity and courage, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication. He was a true hero who inspired many and made a lasting impact on the lives of those he served. His contributions to his community and his country will not be forgotten. Pedo has always supported the cause of GFT by introducing legislation that supports working families. As senator, he championed retirement reform, health insurance choice and strongly supported higher wages for law enforcement officers.
In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. We hope that the memories and legacy of Pedo will bring you comfort and solace. May he rest in peace and may his soul be at peace.
Read more:
https://www.kuam.com/story/48253391/former-senator-and-yona-mayor-jose-pedo-terlaje-has-died
From Fleas to Fences, Schools Unsafe
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) was recently cited by the federal government for environmental health and safety issues at several Head Start schools in Guam. During a site visit, officials found various operational issues that violated children’s rights, including improper walkways, restrooms in disrepair, unfenced playgrounds, and a lack of staff supervision. GDOE and Head Start officials are taking the violations seriously and have made plans to rectify all issues, including flea infestations in classrooms and fixing restrooms and fencing. The Guam Education Board (GEB) will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the rights of the children are protected and that the necessary measures are taken to provide a safe and healthy environment for them. The next GEB meeting will provide an opportunity for officials to report on progress and provide an update on the situation. GEB Vice Chairperson Maria Gutierrez was troubled by the lack of action taken by the schools to address the issues, but with a surplus of $1.2 million available for fencing and added funds to fix the restrooms, there is no reason for the playgrounds to be unfenced and the restrooms to be in disrepair.
Union members are encouraged to file grievances on any unsafe working and learning conditions.
Read more at: https://www.postguam.com/news/local/feds-cite-gdoe-for-health-safety-issues/article_6b1d2e62-a057-11ed-bc7d-372e1ec38d08.html
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Fundraiser Ideas
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SICK LEAVE SHARING
Alicia San Nicolas (GMHA) and Eileen Guevarra (Customs and Quarantine) request you assistance on sick leave sharing. If you would like to donate some of your sick leave, please get in touch with the union office at 671-7354390. Any help is greatly appreciated!