Alexian Brothers raised its minimum wage this week to $11 per hour, which is expected to affect 142 of the 625 employees in Chattanooga who work for one of the residential, retirement and community programs Alexian offers in Hamilton County.
The wage change, which began July 5, is part of a nationwide move to a “socially just” wage by Alexian Brothers’ parent, Ascension Health, which is the largest Catholic health system in the country.
The higher minimum wage affects the lowest-paid associates of Alexian Brothers PACE, Alexian Village of Tennessee, Alexian Brothers Valley Residence, Alexian Assisted Living, Alexian Brothers Live At Home Program, Alexian Grove, Alexian Brothers Home Care, and Alexian Village Health & Rehabilitation Center.
“Although we already have a low turn-over rate, the new socially just wage will only enhance our ability to retain and recruit qualified associates,” said Joy Randall, human resources director of Alexian Brothers Community Services.
Ascension employs nearly 10,000 workers at nursing homes, senior centers and other health care ministries across America.