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Government employees who suffered the 8 percent wage cut enacted during the former Governor John P. de Jongh administration will soon start receiving their lump-sum repayment, estimated to worth thousands of dollars for many.
Governor Albert Bryan on Tuesday reminded residents of the incoming funds, which he said would start rolling out next week, and said those who qualify could actually look up how much they will be receiving.
The Division of Personnel and the Dept. of Finance have created an online process to help employees check if they are receiving a payment, and for how much. Simply go here and sign-in with your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Employees who do not see their name can submit their information as prompted – you only need to do this once – or can continue to check the portal as Personnel works collaboratively with Finance to identify additional records. Official repayment totals will be accessible on the portal by noon Wednesday, November 3.
Currently, approximately 6,000 records — covering central government and legislative employees only — have been uploaded into a Division of Personnel data system totaling approximately $39 million, according to the Division. of Personnel.
The Division of Personnel and the Dept. of Finance continue to work on verifying and uploading employee data to ensure the correct repayment amounts, confirm changes in address, and facilitate direct deposits for both active and inactive employees.
To make the final payments, the Dept. of Finance relies on the data gathered by the Division of Personnel on all eligible employees, according to the release. Since August, the bulk of the employees’ names – inclusive of those who have retired or separated from government service – and an estimated total of what they are owed were uploaded onto Personnel’s online portal here.
According to the release, between Personnel and Finance, a dedicated team has since been working to verify the final hours worked, determine the government’s total financial obligation, and give employees a real-time update on what they will be paid.
Please note:
- All applicable taxes will also be withdrawn before payments are made.
- Employees earning less than $26,000 at the time of the 8 percent cut are not eligible for a repayment.
Employees of semi-autonomous agencies to include both territorial hospitals and the University of the Virgin Islands, should contact their internal Human Resources representatives to find out more about their repayment process, according to the release.
Employees who wish to submit a change of address are asked to do so by Wednesday, November 3 by emailing any new information to the Division of Personnel at [email protected] with the subject line “Change of Address, 8% Repayment.”
For active employees, payments will be made by direct deposit. For those inactive employees or eligible retirees who also prefer that form of payment, download and fill out the Direct Payroll Deposit Authorization form – located under the Forms tab on the Department of Finance’s website – and submit it directly to [email protected] as soon as possible.
Employees who have separated from government service or retirees who are unable to submit a Direct Deposit Authorization form by Thursday will receive a hard check. Additional check runs will be made for survivors and anyone with discrepancies.
"While initially committing to the repayment of the 8 percent within two fiscal years, we are excited to have the financial means – thanks to the foresight and planning of the Bryan-Roach administration and the support of the 34th Legislature – to complete it in one, making whole, as the Governor has said, so many employees impacted,” said Cindy L. Richardson, Director-nominee of the Division of Personnel. “While this project was multi-tiered, I have been so encouraged by the dedication and leadership of the Division of Personnel and Finance Department staff who have worked hard to make this a reality. These payments bring opportunities for investment, offer us a much-needed economic boost, and allows residents to buy locally.
