Peter DiPippo is a state employee with growing frustrations over software problems delaying some workers’ pay raises and with the leaders whose missteps always seem to fall to their subordinates.
So Gov. Dan McKee’s proposal to raise the salaries of 11 cabinet heads did not sit well with DiPippo, a program specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Health and president of one of the many local unions representing state employees.
“I find it difficult to see justification for director-level salary increases when classified employees are still facing delays in getting their raises,” DiPippo said during a public hearing on Wednesday.
The 36-minute hearing, held at the William E. Powers Department of Administration building with a virtual participation option, drew about 30 attendees — hardly a fire and brimstone affair.
But the chorus of criticism sounded by union leaders and local residents rang clear: no raises, not now.
Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. came under extra scrutiny, with opponents linking his leadership to the Washington Bridge closure and rebuild — which has not gone according to plan, cost or schedule.
“I, like many others, do not have confidence in Director Alviti’s leadership,” Jonathan Coppe, a Providence resident, said. “Until we get more transparency from RIDOT, we should oppose a raise for Director Alviti.”
Alviti’s proposed 2% raise is not the highest — nine of the 11 department heads are in line for 5% raises.
DiPippo applied the ancient proverb that “a fish rots from the head,” to the troubled state transportation department. In his view, Alviti is the head, and does not deserve a raise, especially when the workers under him are not receiving the same consideration.
“More damage has been done to the reputation of state employees by directors within the state than has ever been done by members here,” DiPippo said.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
A three-year contract reached in August offered a 5% wage increase to state union employees in the current fiscal year, with subsequent raises of 4% and 3% in the next two years.
But state workers are still struggling with growing workloads and pay far less than neighboring states, creating retention issues that compromise services for residents, said Matthew Gunnip, a case worker with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families and president of SEIU Local 580.
“At DCYF, we see real-life consequences from not having the workers we need,” Gunnip said.
He called on cabinet leaders in line for raises, including DCYF Director Ashley Deckert to “lead by example” and not take the raises McKee is offering them until their workers also get pay bumps.
The usual cloud of tension surrounding the annual pay bumps for top state appointees has swelled this year, with concern coming from state legislative leaders. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi suggested in a radio interview earlier this week that the salary hikes contradicted the austerity budget he and other officials have been warning of for the upcoming fiscal year. State budget crunchers project a $250 million structural deficit for fiscal 2026.
Yet McKee’s office insisted he intends to “stay the course” on the salary increases, which total $82,000, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the executive branch and the legislature. State law empowers the Rhode Island General Assembly to reject proposed cabinet raises by a joint resolution; without such action, the pay bumps take effect within 30 days.
Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio have not said whether they intend to pursue legislation blocking the cabinet salary increases.
Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz indicated she would support action to reject raises. House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rep. Enrique Sanchez, a Providence Democrat, again signaled his opposition to the proposal during Wednesday’s hearing.
“I represent one of the poorest districts in the state,” Sanchez said. “When they see these proposed salary increases, people get frustrated. There’s contempt.”
Sanchez continued, “It’s just not the right time.”
McKee’s office did not immediately respond to inquiries for additional comment on Wednesday.
This story was originally published by the Rhode Island Current.
