Gov. Steve Beshear has approved the plan to give raises and move hazardous duty, non-security staff to 40-hour work weeks.
A state Personnel Cabinet review showed that the state's corrections officers and hazardous duty workers were paid at below-market rates compared with nearby states. A release from the state Department of Corrections says that has led to high turnover.
Starting salaries for corrections officers will be increased by 13 percent, from $23,346 to $26,400 annually. It includes higher increases for sergeants, lieutenants and captains. Hazardous duty, non-security staff will be converted to a 40-hour work week from a 37.5-hour schedule, meaning they will receive a nearly 7 percent raise.
