Carolina Mornings is part of a growing list of certified 'living wage' businesses, as determined by Just Economics. The Mountain Xpress recently featured the organization and the current list of certified businesses in the article Living wage issue picking up steam.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
Living-wage proponents have long maintained that paying workers enough to meet their basic expenses in the local economy is ultimately good for businesses as well. Now, with the issue gaining traction here, a small but growing number of employers are taking the pledge and getting certified by Just Economics, a local nonprofit, says staffer Sarah Osmer.
Launched in March, the free, voluntary program has certified 38 businesses, nonprofits, churches and other employers (see sidebar, “Certified"). For businesses, says Osmer, the biggest immediate payback is the ability to market themselves as a responsible and sustainable employer in a city filled with discriminating consumers. Employers needing time to reach the appropriate wage levels can get probationary certification that gives them two years, with benchmarks to be met along the way.
According to the article, Just Economics has determined that the living wage in the Asheville area is $22,700 per year ($11.35 per hour) or $19,700/yr ($9.85/hr) for an employer providing health insurance, based on Housing and Urban Development's annual calculation of Fair Market Rent. Important to note that Osmer adds that this is the bare minimum.
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6 comments:
That's admirable. I hope this idea spreads.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
Thanks Peter, I hope so too. I do wish they'd raise the numbers a little because I think it still sounds pretty low. Especially for the cost of rent, rising fuel costs, rising food costs, etc!
Yes, and the malicious conspiracy theorist in me says that some employers who pay a bit above that scale now could actually lower the wages they pay because they know they could still claim the certification. So, even though the program may be imoperfect, it's probably a good thing that the idea is out there.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
Yeah your internal conspiracy theorist radar may be right, and I really hope something like that doesn't happen. I really appreciate this living wage movement and know that there are many organizations like Just Economics cropping up in cities all over the US and I ultimately believe this is a good thing. But I still believe everyone should make $25K a year... at least.
World commoditiy prices going up, except our wages.
all about attitude, from what i understand, in the last 10 years most people's wages have stayed almost exactly the same while commodity prices continue to rise. exactly the same pay at the end of 2007 as at the end of 1997!
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