BHB: ‘Reducing Employee Salary/Benefits Costs’
“We have asked staff to support our efforts to reduce costs, rather than having to reduce services,” the Bermuda Hospitals Board said, adding that they negotiated a “package of payroll concessions” with the BIU which has been implemented, and members of the Executive Team accepted a salary reduction of 5% or greater.
A spokesperson said, “Our goal is to preserve the quality and scope of healthcare services to the community and safeguard jobs to the best of our ability. We recognise no one wants reductions in any portion of their pay or benefits. However, we have asked staff to support our efforts to reduce costs, rather than having to reduce services.
“We recently negotiated a package of payroll concessions with the Bermuda Industrial Union, which has been implemented. We are grateful that our BIU staff members took the lead in assisting us in reducing employee salary and benefits costs.
“Members of our Executive Team have voluntarily accepted a salary reduction of 5% or greater. We are in the process of meeting with senior leaders, fixed-scale staff – who are generally senior level – and consultant physicians. All of these posts are non-unionised and most are at the higher end of BHB’s pay structure.
“Staff in these categories have been asked to take a voluntary pay reduction of 5% until 30 June 2021. They have also been asked to participate in the National Pension Scheme [Occupational Pensions] Temporary Amendment Act 2020 and the Contributory Pensions Temporary Amendment Act 2020 until 30 June 2021, which would allow them to retain their original level of take-home pay.”
Well when you’re making 250k+ 5% isnt anything! 25% sounds more reasonable!