ChristianaCare has increased its minimum wage to $16.50 an hour effective this week. The new minimum wage exceeds federal, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania minimum wage rates. The base wage in Pennsylvania is still below $8 an hour, although nearly all employers pay well above that number.
Delaware is slated to go to a $15 an hour minimum wage next year.
"At ChristianaCare, we are committed to creating health so that people can flourish, and that begins with our caregivers," said ChristianaCare System Chief Operating Officer Ric Cuming.. "By investing in our caregivers and supporting their wellbeing, we support their ability to provide the very best care to our patients."
ChristianaCare is the largest private employer in Delaware, with nearly 14,000 caregivers (employees). In the health care industry, it competes in some categories with banks and other sectors that have been paying as much as $25 an hour in base wages.
This is the second time in recent years that ChristianaCare has raised its minimum wage; in 2019, ChristianaCare raised its minimum wage to $15/hour.
This new increase to ChristianaCare's minimum wage impacts approximately 850 caregivers who were below or near the $16.50/hour figure.
"It's important for us to lead by example in paying wages that support the financial well-being of our workforce," said Chris Cowan, ChristianaCare's chief human resources officer.
"Substantially increasing wages is one way we continue to attract and keep top talent at all levels in this highly competitive market. By recognizing the valuable contributions of our caregivers, we can enhance staff retention, boost morale and support an exceptional experience for everyone we serve."
The increase is a part of ChristianaCare's overall Total Rewards package for its caregivers, which includes benefits and support for caregivers and their families More information is available here.
The pay hike came after the first successful union election, in which a group of doctors voted by a wide margin to enter into bargaining with the healthcare system.
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