On December 5, 2024, United Public Employees (UPE) met with Merced County to discuss the implementation of SB-525. Starting January 2025, the minimum wage will increase to $21, followed by $23 in June 2026, and $25 in June 2028, for Covered Health Care Employees working in “Covered Health Care Facilities.” Both Behavioral Health Recovery Services (BHRS) and Public Health (PH) fall under this category. A “Covered Health Care Employee” includes anyone working for Covered Health Care Facilities providing patient care or support services, including nonmanagerial administrative workers, clerical staff, and more.
The increased wages come with new department classifications, such as merging Account Clerk levels into one “Health Care Facility Account Clerk.” Similarly, positions like Medical Claims Clerk, Medical Records Technician, Office Assistant, and Telephone Systems Operator will receive similar changes and now be categorized under Health Care Facility titles.
Employees will maintain their pay step and percentages while receiving a wage increase of $21 and above. Shifts in duty should be minimal, with employees in previous lower-level classifications taking on higher-level duties within the same classification but receiving the increased pay and benefits for the new healthcare classifications that combine the classification levels. Training will be provided for all employees moving into new roles, and we encourage anyone with questions to reach out to your HR Department or your UPE Business Agent. UPE is always here to support you!
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD
LISA SYKES AND MONICA LERMA FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
