Medical Center invests in workforce with $17 minimum wage and additional enhancements

Date: 11/04/2021

Bangor, Maine (November 4, 2021) – Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center announced today continued investment in its team members by establishing a $17 an hour minimum wage and other wage adjustments estimated to benefit nearly 2,000 employees.

“We continually evaluate our internal resource needs, the market conditions, and hiring trends. Though we are facing unprecedented financial challenges, we believe it is imperative we invest in the retention of our staff, and continued recruitment of our workforce,” says Rand O’Leary, MSA, FACHE, senior vice president of Northern Light Health and president of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

These enhancements are expected to positively impact recruitment and retention in key areas of patient care delivery. For instance, the starting wage for certified nursing assistants will move to $19 under the new plan and registered/certified medical assistant starting wages will bump to $20.27.
 
Overall, the plan is estimated to add $6 million in first year expenses. “This is an investment we believe is warranted and vital to the continued delivery of our mission. The pandemic has highlighted how crucial our healthcare workforce is to meeting the needs of our community. Our staff is dedicated to caring for our patients, and we’re steadfast in our resolve to ensure they are well compensated for their talents and passion,” O’Leary adds.