|
Ashland passes living wage; group looks to Medford By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - The City Council gave final approval Tuesday night to a living wage ordinance that has occupied the last three meetings and sparked debate since it was first proposed last fall. Council members tweaked the version they approved two weeks ago. Changes better define subcontractors, call for adjustments of the contract amount based on the consumer price index and clarify what constitutes a safety net service organization. City employees and employees who work on city projects for entities that receive city contracts or grants will receive a pay and benefits package that totals $10.75 per hours under the ordinance. It goes into effect in 30 days. A grant or contract has to be $15,000 or greater to trigger the ordinance. Subcontractors who receive 50 percent of that amount would be subject to the wage. The ordinance does not apply to employees in organizations with grants or contracts who do not work on city-funded projects. A firm that sells goods to the city also is excluded. "I don't think its perfect, but as we have seen, we can go back and make changes," said council member John Morrison. "(We are) making a statement that supports those employers who are paying a living wage." Morrison, Susan Reid, Don Laws, Cate Hartzell and Chris Hearn voted for the measure. Cameron Hanson opposed it. "It's only a first step. It will mean some workers in Ashland will start getting a living wage and we will start seeing a living wage as a standard," said Rich Rohde of Oregon Action, the group that bought the issue to the council on Aug. 8. A living wage ordinance for the city of Medford will be the next project, Rohde said. "We were pleased with the public process Ashland had," said Rohde. "In Medford, we might want to encourage living wage supporters and employers who are opposed to come up with an ordinance that would fit Medford." Oregon Action also will explore an ordinance for the county. "The present county commissioners are strongly committed against (a living wage proposal)," said Rohde. "It might take an initiative to get it through the county." Opponents feel the Ashland measure will do more harm than good. "We are disappointed. We think, in the long run, it will hurt the people they are trying to help," said Valri Williams, president of Ashland's Chamber of Commerce. "Doing business with the city will become more expensive." Williams called for clarification of subcontractor requirements during public testimony. She also suggested that the $15,000 amount be subject to increase based on the consumer price index, as is the living wage figure. "I feel it is such a mistake for the city to get into (a living wage ordinance). I feel it is a statewide or federal issue," said Mayor Alan DeBoer. "There's no organization set up to investigate so ... its going to be city staff time." |
|
Mail
Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc.
| Dow
Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy
| Contact
Us |
