Hi everyone!
We are considering supporting the following proposal. Please comment of your thoughts. We will vote through an electronic voting system November 13th-18th. Thanks!
-Casey
The Living Wage and the RVCC Campaign
LIVING WAGE—The phrase “living wage” refers to wages that are legally required by towns and some colleges for local workers who are employees of outside companies. Living wage rates generally run between $9 and $12 per hour, higher than minimum wages ($5.15 to $7 per hour, depending on the state) and lower than union wages.
BUILDING SERVICES AT RVCC—At RVCC, the custodian, security guards, and cafeteria staff all work for outside companies that the College holds contracts with; the current contracts expire in 2008 and 2009 and may be extended or renewed, or new companies may be hired. Most workers in these three positions earn around $8 or $9 per hour and do not receive health benefits unless they pay for them. In general, the College does not pay attention to the wages of these workers because wages are not part of the contract that the College signs with the company to do the work.
RVCC’S LIVING WAGE PROPOSAL—Our proposal to the College President, Dr. Crabill, asks the Board of Trustees to pass resolutions requiring that at the next contract starting date, these workers who are full-time be paid $10.15 or $11.15 per hour (depending on their position) and get health benefits. If no health benefits are included, they are to receive $2 per hour more.
These amounts are calculated as dollars above the New Jersey minimum wage, currently $7.15. When the state minimum wage goes up in the future, these wages will go up also.
The proposal also calls for the formation of a Wage Board consisting of representatives from different areas of the College (including students) to monitor the paying of these wages.
WAGES IN THE SOMERSET COUNTY AREA—Custodians and security guards in this area earn around $11.00 per hour as an average. The average for the various types of cafeteria and kitchen workers ranges from $8 to $11.
THE RVCC LIVING WAGE CAMPAIGN—The proposal, signed by student and staff leaders, will be sent to the President who will then bring it to the Board. The College community will need to show support through such events as a card-writing campaign. Negotiations will probably take place. Hopefully, students, faculty, and others can stay supportive long enough for an agreement to be reached. The proposal will cost money, so it is unrealistic to expect the Board to agree easily or right away.
Brock Haussamen
Professor of English
bhaussam@raritanval.edu
