Class and Comp Study

To Metropolitan Library System Employees:

As you know, we recently conducted a Compensation, Classification and Benefits Study with The Singer Group.  The study was completed in July when The Singer Group presented their findings and recommendations to the Project Review Committee and Administrative Team.  The recommendations put forward will go to the Finance/Personnel Committee of the Commission on August 11,  and then to the full Commission on 25th.  In the meantime, we wanted to give you some information about the study so that you would be aware of what would be provided to the Commission.

Overall, The Singer Group stated that our pay ranges and classification system had been well-maintained, and that only a few positions were behind the market.  During the job evaluation portion of the project, The Singer Group found a few positions that needed to be reclassified due to the level of duties and responsibilities (internal equity).  In addition, the salary survey of libraries and other local employers indicated a few other positions that needed to be placed in different grades.  Combining these two perspectives has resulted in a list of positions that will be recommended for reclassification in the report that is presented to the Commission.  These include:

Finally, the salary survey indicated that though our pay range minimums (or the entry level pay for each pay range) compared well to the market, some of the pay range maximums fell behind the market particularly at the professional and management levels.  To address this, The Singer Group recommended that we widen several pay ranges to more accurately reflect the market.  No pay range minimums have been reduced or changed, with the exception of an increased minimum for Pay Grade 50.

Another important part of the study was a comprehensive review of our benefits programs.  In summary, our benefits package compared quite well, with MLS contributing 41% of payroll to cover employee benefits.  Our health, prescription, vision and dental plans all compare well to the market.  The benefit offered by MLS for waived coverage (those who choose not to take the insurance provided by MLS) leads the market, as does our benefit for long-term care insurance.  Our short- and long-term disability programs are also leading the market.  Though our life insurance benefit is good, we are looking into ways to improve that, as well as ways to improve how our sick and vacation leave can be accessed.  The retirement plans offered to MLS employees are also well within the market-survey group.

We are planning to implement the new pay ranges and reclassifications in October 2011.  Anyone whose position is being moved to a new pay grade (once the Commission approves the report) will receive a salary increase to the minimum of the new pay grade if their current salary is lower than the new minimum.  We also want to remind everyone that no one will lose current pay or lose their job as a result of the study.

Again, full information will be distributed to the Commission on August 11 and we wanted to make sure you had a chance to hear about some of the recommendations prior to that date.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Human Resources.