Negotiators for the state of Montana and its labor force have hammered out a new pay plan designed to retain workers at a time when state agencies are having difficulty filling openings and employees are leaving for greener pastures. It calls for annual pay increases of at least 4%, one time payments for all employees and a freeze on the employee share of the cost of health and other benefits. Employees will also get an annual flex holiday that will replace the Election Day holiday they were getting every other year. The 2024-2025 pay plan worked out between Governor Gianforte's office and the unions still has to be approved by the legislature.