Connecticut Children’s announced Tuesday it plans to increase its minimum hourly pay rate from $15 to $18 an hour as of Oct. 6.
The state’s minimum wage is $15 per hour.
Approximately 900 workers, about one-third of the staff, will get a pay raise because of the change, according to an announcement.
President and CEO Jim Shmerling said the change is being made to help retain staff and ensure the hospital remains competitive in the healthcare industry.
“It is also a reflection of our understanding about how challenging the current economic environment is,” Shmerling said, in an announcement. “In addition to caring for the children and families of Connecticut and beyond, we also care about our team members. This increase is a direct investment in them.”
CT Children’s is also hoping the change will help attract top talent for its open positions and improve overall worker job satisfaction.
About 200 staffers who are currently making less than $18 an hour will get raises to the new minimum rate. About 700 additional employees, now making close to or above $18, will get raises to “maintain appropriate salary ranges between similar positions and levels,” the announcement said.
The change impacts both clinical and non-clinical support roles across the health system.
The non-profit Connecticut Children’s is solely focused on caring for children at its facilities, including at its hospital in Hartford. It has more than 40 locations in three states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.
