Title
Living Wage Implementation (B)
Explanation
There are two initiatives within the Living Wage issue. The first is the City pay its employees a living wage and second that contractors of the City also pay their employees a living wage.
In addressing the first initiative, the City has engaged in negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the collective bargaining units representing the job classifications and employees who would be affected. It has been agreed with both unions that effective October 2001, all regular full time and regular part time employees in the collective bargaining units shall not earn below $8.55 per hour.
To address the second initiative additional discussion is needed including representatives of GRU Purchasing, General Government Purchasing, the Attorney's Office, Human Resources, and the Small Business Development Department. This staff group will consult with Alachua County and the Living Wage Coalition.
Fiscal Note
Funds for the pay increases to bring CWA and ATU employees to the living wage level ($8.55 per hour) are included in the City's 2001-2002 budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a presentation from staff.