By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – OSF HealthCare is raising its minimum wage for workers to $12 an hour, starting February 24, effecting employees in Bloomington, Pontiac, and Peoria.
It’s part of OSF’s commitment to social justice and positively impact the experience and livelihood of its current and future workforce, the health care provider said in a statement.
About 1,142 so-called Mission Partners, or about five percent of OSF’s workforce of 21,000 people, will benefit from the $2 per hour wage hike.
The majority of employees receiving the raise work in food service, housekeeping, gift shops, or OSF’s guest services team.
OSF said the total cost to the Ministry for the pay hikes is about $1.5 million.
Sister Judith Ann Duvall, Chairperson of the OSF HealthCare Board, said in a statement, “We raised our minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2015 and are raising it again because it’s the right thing to do. Our Sisters deeply value our Mission Partners and the wonderful service they bring to our Sacred Ministry.”
In a statement, Bob Sehring, CEO, OSF HealthCare, said, “At OSF HealthCare, we believe our Mission Partners are called here, and we want to ensure that they are well cared for. Additionally, by increasing the minimum wage, we will be able to attract and retain new Mission Partners in support of our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love.”
OSF runs OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, OSF St. James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, and OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
OSF made the announcement on the same day the Illinois House voted to raise the state’s minimum wage $1 to $9.25 cents on January 1, increasing to $15 by 2025. Gov. J.B. Pritzker intends to sign the bill into law.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
