OSF Healthcare is raising the lowest wage it is paying workers to $10 an hour. That's $1.75 per hour higher than the minimum wage in Illinois. Kristin Williams is the OSF's Vice President for Compensation and Benefits. Williams says the move stems from the religious organization's social justice values.
She says the federal poverty line for full time workers with families was one of the guides used to establish the new minimum.
Williams says the change affects nearly 500 workers mainly in food service, housekeeping, and guest services. The bump will cost OSF about $500,000 a year.
Williams says OSF will not immediately be raising the pay for workers at the next tier up, though they do reassess that every year.
Williams says one other Catholic Health system made the same move last year, but a number of health care providers across the industry are discussing the idea.
Williams says OSF has not had trouble finding and retaining workers at the previous wage.
The Peoria-based system operates multiple hospitals, clinics, and physician practices in two states.
