Closing the Wage Gap
Read more about efforts to reverse income inequality.
Santa Cruz City Council passes living-wage increase
By Josh Copitch Jan 29, 2020 The Santa Cruz City Council voted on and passed a living wage increase during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The increase applies only to employees with contracts with the city of Santa Cruz. Depending on several factors, the living-wage for city workers would be $17.90 or $19.53. The change would
Striking a balance: Which minimum wage works for businesses, employees?
By Amanda Parrish Jan 29, 2020 When it comes to raising the the minimum pay rate, living wage arguments are at the forefront with business owners concerned about how it will affect them, while legislators want to find a balance that works for everyone. The debate over a senator’s proposal to raise the state minimum
Editorial: Recognizing local employers for raising wages
By JAMES H. WALLACE January 7 2020 Businesses know the benefits of investing in their employees. Happier workforces lead to better productivity and turnover can be costly — especially in current times of low unemployment. On Friday, new figures from the Virginia Employment Commission showed the Richmond region unemployment rate was 2.6% in November. The
Vermont lawmakers return Tuesday promising quick action on key legislation
By Stewart Ledbetter Jan 6, 2020 Vermont lawmakers return to the Statehouse Tuesday for the second half of the biennium. In the opening days of 2020, the House and Senate will consider compromise legislation to raise the state minimum wage and establish mandatory paid family leave benefits for all workers. Democrats are considering a mandatory
As cost of living soars, SF program to help struggling airport workers pay bills
Heather Knight Jan. 7, 2020 In one of the most expensive cities in the world, plenty of fully employed people are one emergency away from a financial catastrophe. And in a region with almost no unemployment, bosses are constantly scrambling to keep their businesses fully staffed. This spring, Treasurer Jose Cisneros will launch a, well,
Editorial — Taking their order: Food service employees have been spared state fiat on tip credit
For several years, we have spoken out on this page against Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s habit of manipulating the wages required to be paid to certain employees in certain industries. With little regard for the financial strains they confront, Mr. Cuomo has at times unilaterally decided that merchants make enough money to pay wages that