February 12, 2021
Kansas City, Kan. — The University of Kansas Health System today announced an increase in the minimum hourly pay rate for employees to $15 per hour. The change took effect February 7, 2021, and will be reflected in the paychecks beginning March 5.
“For more than two decades, our health system has succeeded because we have followed a simple guiding formula. We believe providing world-class service and world-class outcomes delivered by the right team of people will lead to strong growth and sustainability,” said Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president, Kansas City Division, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at The University of Kansas Health System. “This hourly increase reflects our continued commitment to our people and the important role each and every employee has in our collective success.”
Despite the financial and operational challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Kanas Health System has not laid off or furloughed staff and remains committed to maintaining jobs. This pay increase is another step to support frontline workers and the critical role they play in providing care in our communities.
The decision to increase the minimum wage for health system employees in the Kansas City Division was based on a comprehensive review of salary data, cost of living expense and other factors. The health system also took a broad approach with this action and, as a result, has increased pay not only for employees who were below $15 per hour, but also for many more who were above that pay rate to ensure appropriate differences in pay based on experience and responsibilities.