Holyoke Public Library director wants livable wage for workers
Updated Feb 24, 2021;
HOLYOKE – While the nation’s workers “Fight for $15,” Holyoke Public Library staff simply want a livable wage.
Maria Pagan, the library’s director, released a statement before Tuesday’s Ordinance Committee virtual meeting chaired by City Councilor Rebecca Lisi.
The committee culled through a 2014 salary study conducted by an outside firm that called for higher wages, reclassifying positions, and improved compensation for nonunion city employees, elected officials and contracted workers.
Lisi said the study also focused on retaining city employees, especially department heads who often move onto other communities for better opportunities. Training a new employee rather than retaining the current one bleeds city resources.