Living wage

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The topic of a living wage is an issue that has been addressed by the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. Its supporters advocate for an increased standard salary.[1] The first living wage campaign in Charlottesville was launched by the Labor Action Group on April 15, 1998.[2]

University of Virginia

The first living wage campaign directed at UVA began in April 2006.[2] Protestors held a four day sit-in in Madison Hall and 17 of those protestors were arrested.[2]

Another campaign was conducted in 2009 and asked for wages to be raised to $11.42 an hour.[2] The group became active again in 2010 and asked for wages to be raised to $11.44.[3] The group has actively campaigned since that time.

In February of 2012, twelve students declared they would be undergoing a hunger strike until a living wage was given to University employees.[4] The strike lasted 13 days. During that time it enlisted 14 more participants and sparked similar protests around the country.[5] UVA did not meet the protester's demands and the University's wages remain the same.[6]

City of Charlottesville

On July 16, 2012, City Council voted to increase city employees' living wage from $11.67 to $13 per hour.[7] Concerns were raised about the compression of other city employees hourly salaries so a 2% adjustment was applied to employees who made between $13 and $14 per hour.[7]

References

  1. Web. For the Press, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Web. Resurrecting the “living wage” campaign, 24 February 2009, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  3. Web. Group Seeks Higher Wages, Mike Lang, Cavalier Daily, 26 October 2010, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  4. Web. UVa Living Wage Campaign announces hunger strike, Meghan Davis, Daily Progress, 18 February 2012, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  5. Web. The Hunger Strike Ends: The Struggle Continues, Living Wage at UVA, 1 March 2012, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  6. Web. UVA stands firm as hunger strike ends, Cville Weekly, 6 March 2012, retrieved 18 July 2012.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Web. Charlottesville OKs 'living-wage' bump to $13, Graham Moomaw, Daily Progress, 17 July 2012, retrieved 18 July 2012.