Enough Income to Live On
The purchasing power of the $5.15 hourly minimum wage has fallen 10 percent since it was enacted in 1997. The Economic Policy Institute says an increase to $6.65 by 2004 would still leave the buying power of the minimum wage below its 1981 level. Don’t expect the federal government to do much on this.
The good news is grassroots living-wage campaigns are making a difference. Most recently, New York City enacted a living-wage ordinance and Chicago, which already had a living wage law, raised its standard and indexed it to inflation. Across the nation, 95 cities, counties and educational institutions have living-wage laws, while 63 other communities have active campaigns.
A living wage means that a person working full time should not have earnings below the poverty level. These laws generally apply to any contractor doing business with city, county or state governments. Does the UAW support a living wage? You bet!
Anyone interested in getting involved in a living-wage campaign can find the Living Wage Resource Center at www.acorn.org or call 617-740-9500.
