Union: State workers' share of budget is 'punch in the stomach'
CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval drew the quiet ire of state workers Wednesday for dragging his feet on an additional 1-percent pay increase, bringing the annual total to 3 percent, when they had asked for 10 percent to make up for more than a decade of nearly stagnant pay.
The surprise 1-percent extra cost-of-living adjustment that Democratic lawmakers introduced in the final hours of the legislative session Monday night won't come close to making up for state workers' pay and benefit cuts during the economic downturn.
Union leader Harry Schiffman said state workers did not get what they deserve out of the 2017 session.
"It's a punch in the stomach," Schiffman said.
While Nevada's economy and state revenue experience historic gains, the employees putting those dollars to work are making do on base salaries and benefits at least 20 percent behind their pre-recession rates.
Read more: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/jun/07/union-state-workers-share-of-budget-punch-in-the-s/