: : District 9

UNITY AND STRENGTH FOR WORKERS



Daniel Flippo

District Director



May 30, 2025 Mark Cochran

Assistant to the Director



The Honorable Milton E. Potter Wesley Thompson



Sennke President Sub-District Director



36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands



Capitol Building



St. Thomas, VI 00802



Dear President Potter,



I am writing to acknowledge the receipt of your email and letter dated May 30, 2025, in which

you invited me to provide testimony regarding Bill No. 36-0053 amending Title 3 of the Virgin

Islands Code, Chapter 25, Subchapter V, Section 555b. This Act seeks to increase the minimum

annual salary for full-time employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, its semi-

autonomous agencies, and independent instrumentalities from $27,040 to $32,000, as proposed

by Senators Kurt A. Vialet and Hubert Frederick. Regrettably, I am currently on vacation off the

island and will be unable to attend the hearing. Nevertheless, I wish to express my unequivocal

support for this proposed amendment.



Increasing the minimum annual salary for government employees to $32,000 represents a

necessary and just adjustment that accounts for the rising cost of living while acknowledging the

essential roles that these individuals fulfill within our communities. Government employees

constitute the backbone of our public sector, providing critical services that directly influence the

lives of every citizen. From educators and healthcare professionals to law enforcement personnel

and social service providers, these committed individuals frequently perform their



responsibilities under challenging circumstances and are deserving of equitable compensation for

their contributions.



The existing minimum salary of $27,040 fails to provide adequate financial security for those

who dedicate their careers to public service. As inflation continues to rise and living costs

escalate, many government employees encounter difficulties in meeting their basic financial

obligations, let alone planning for their futures or maintaining a reasonable standard of living.

The proposed increase to $32,000 would mitigate some of this financial strain and convey a

powerful message that we value and respect the efforts of our public servants.



Moreover, this salary adjustment would assist in attracting and retaining skilled individuals



within the government workforce, thereby ensuring that a highly qualified and motivated team is

available to serve the public effectively. By offering a more competitive salary, we can reduce



United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union



P.O. Box 5972 Sunny Isle, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00823-5972 * 340-778-5634 * 340-778-5642 * www.usw.org =e

Letter to Senate President Milton Potter



Amendment to title 3 VI code, Chapter 25, Subchapter V section 55b

May 30, 2025



Page 2



turnover rates, alleviate recruitment challenges, and enhance the overall quality of public

services.



This amendment signifies a step toward fairness and recognition for the dedicated men and

women who serve our communities with unwavering commitment. I urge all stakeholders to

consider the long-term advantages of this adjustment, not only for the welfare of government

employees but also for the sustained prosperity and effectiveness of our public institutions.



I appreciate your kind invitation once again, and I anticipate favorable outcomes from this

initiative.



GLJ/md



C: Daniel Flippo

Wesley Thompson