Plan proposal would end automatic 4 percent raises for state workers

State Civil Service Director Shannon Templet told human resource directors from state agencies that a “variable” merit system is under development. Under such a system, the percent of pay boost would be tied to job performance.

This “variable” plan would end a system that provides nearly automatic annual 4 percent “merit” pay raises to Louisiana’s 60,000 rank-and-file state employees

“Variable merits are probably on the horizon. There is no way to get away from that,” Templet said.

Templet said her goal is to have “five good proposals” to submit to the state Civil Service Commission for consideration in November or December. Any plan approved by the commission would require a sign-off by Gov. Bobby Jindal because it affects
pay.

With approval, the changes would go into effect July 1, the start of a new state budget year, Templet said.