Area hospitals boost pay

ELIZABETHTOWN | Reflective of structural changes within the Adirondack labor force, two hospitals operating within Essex County have announced wage increases for lower-income employees, creating a base pay of $15 an hour. The increase applies to both Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake and the University of Vermont Elizabethtown Community Hospital. "I am proud that Adirondack Health is able to increase the minimum wage above the New York state rate," Chief Financial Officer Robert Laba said. "As the largest employer in the Adirondack Park, this will have a meaningful impact on the entire region. This investment will assist with the recruitment and retention of critical roles that keep our communities safe and healthy." The increase, which was effective Aug. 30, applies to about 80 union and nonunion positions, said Brittany Proulx, internal communications coordinator for Adirondack Health. The previous floor was $12.50, New York State's minimum wage. But minimum wage has increasingly become an anachronism over the past year, as COVID-19 shrunk the workforce, creating a high demand for help. "We are fortunate at Elizabethtown Community Hospital to have a talented and dedicated team but, like health care organizations across the country, we face staffing and recruitment challenges," said Human Resources Director, Michelle Meachem. "We work closely with the UVM Health Network to recruit for positions of greatest need, like primary care physicians and medical technologists, and we are innovating to grow our own wherever possible through initiatives like our paramedic education program." Environmental services team members, clinical assistants, medical assistants and clerical positions are among the positions that will see an increase from $12.50 to $15 per hour, Meacham said. Staff members who have been earning close to $15 per hour will also see a boost in their paychecks. In total, 130 employees across 36 job classifications will benefit from the starting hourly wage increase. "We want to take care of the people who help provide outstanding care for the community," said Bob Ortmyer, president of Elizabethtown Community Hospital. "Each and every team member helps us do that, regardless of their role." The raises will cost $330,000, the hospital said in a statement. Elizabethtown Community Hospital employs 350 people at its two campuses in Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga, and its six health centers across Essex County. "It's clear that this is the right thing to do for our employees, for their families and for the future of our workforce," Meachem said. "The $15 hourly starting wage will not only help us retain valued team members, it will also help us attract new talent."

Signup for our newsletter

Area hospitals boost pay

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS