Office of Origin: Human Resources
Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
Original Date Adopted: 12-10-24
Dates Reviewed: 10-9-24 (C)
Last Date Board Approved: 12-10-24

COLA Wage Adjustment for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
Effective January 1 each year, Lake Michigan College (LMC) will provide a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to the base wages of all non-bargaining unit employees. The adjustment will be based on the COLA rate published by the Social Security Administration (SSA) each October.

Bargaining Unit Employees
Employees covered by a bargaining unit should refer to their respective union agreements for details on compensation adjustments and related matters.

COLA Rate Application
The COLA will be applied to current base wages as of January 1, with the new base wage remaining in effect until December 31. The COLA increase will range from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 4.5%, regardless of the published SSA rate.

Communication
Human Resources will communicate the COLA to impacted employees once the SSA announces the rate in mid-October.

Data Source

LMC will use the COLA published by the SSA, which is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners & Clerical Workers (CPI-W). CPI-W reflects changes in the prices of goods and services paid by wage earners and clerical workers and is prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This widely recognized source ensures consistency and accuracy in reflecting changes in the cost of living.

Exceptions
Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the President.

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