This bill aims to amend the compensation and classification system for employees of the Division of Highways within the Department of Transportation in West Virginia. It establishes a merit-based personnel system that emphasizes performance management principles, ensuring that appointments and promotions are based solely on merit and fitness for the position. The bill introduces new classifications and pay rates for specific job roles, including Highway Laborers, Teamsters, and Equipment Operators, which will now be aligned with the base rates paid in private industry. Additionally, it reclassifies certain positions, such as storekeepers and office assistants, to better reflect their roles within the Division of Highways.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that Division of Highway employees will receive an annual wage increase of $200 for each year of completed service. It also includes provisions to ensure that the personnel system adheres to existing laws prohibiting nepotism, favoritism, and discrimination, and that it does not jeopardize eligibility for federal funding. The Secretary of Transportation is granted the authority to propose rules for legislative approval to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-8