Not all state workers deserve $500 bonus


January 2, 2004

Perhaps some Delaware state employees should not get the proposed bonus. Recently Gov. Minner announced a long expected Christmas gift for state employees, a proposed $500 bonus for each employee. Because of the downturn in state revenues in 2003, state workers had to endure hiring freezes and no cost-of-living increase for fiscal 2004. In return, there have been no layoffs either.

However, there are state employees who did see an increase in their paychecks after July 1, either as result of previous union contract agreements or teachers' salary scales that provide step changes due to longevity and educational course credits. Delaware Technical & Community College faculty got raises too. Delaware Tech vice presidents just received bonuses upwards of $9,000 on top of their annual salaries, which typically exceed $114,000.

And Minner is going to give them an additional $500? This is an insult to other state workers who did without any increase in their pay.