Governor Cooper Declares May 8 State Employee Appreciation Day | Eastern North Carolina Now | Governor Roy Cooper has declared Wednesday, May 8, 2019, as State Employee Appreciation Day and the week of May 5 – 11, 2019 as State Employee Recognition Week in North Carolina.

    Press Release:

State Employees Recognized for Dedication Throughout Week of May 5 - 11
    RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper has declared Wednesday, May 8, 2019, as State Employee Appreciation Day and the week of May 5 - 11, 2019 as State Employee Recognition Week in North Carolina.

    The week recognizes the essential role of state employee public service in the lives of North Carolina residents and visitors. North Carolina's celebration of state employees and their crucial work coincides with the national observance of State Employee Recognition Day.

    "Coming from all different walks of life, you represent the rich diversity of the state that we serve," Gov. Cooper said in a video message to state employees. "I respect you and I'm proud of you. And though you don't always hear it, most people across our state share this feeling. Thank you for making North Carolina a better place to live and work."

    About 82,000 state employees currently serve in North Carolina. They provide essential services across all 100 counties, including repairing roads and bridges, teaching public school students, keeping communities safe, helping businesses grow, treating patients, protecting our air and water and operating state parks and museums.

    Gov. Cooper issued a proclamation honoring state employees with a special week of appreciation for their work. Agencies across the state are encouraged recognize and celebrate state employees for dedicating their time and talents to public service.

    State Employee Recognition Week is among several of Gov. Cooper's ongoing efforts to support and value state employees. In his latest budget proposal, Gov. Cooper calls for a permanent salary increase of 1.5 percent or $500-whichever is greater-for state employees effective July 1, 2019, with an additional 1.5 percent pay increase or $500 to follow on July 1, 2020. Certified law enforcement officers and thousands of state employees who work in prisons and state facilities would receive an additional $500 recurring increase.

    The governor also recommended five days of bonus leave and a one-time two percent increase to state retirees starting on July 1, 2019. His budget would invest $20 million in a Salary Adjustment Fund to support agencies facing challenges in recruiting and retaining critical positions and address issues related to pay equity.

    To thank them for their state service, state employees are invited to the North Carolina Executive Mansion on Wednesday, May 8 from 5 - 6:30 PM. Many state agencies will also hold events throughout the week to recognize and thank their employees.

    To learn more about careers in state public service, visit oshr.nc.gov/work-for-nc.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov