Local Issues

Living Wage Ordinance

A living wage ordinance is being proposed by the Community Alliance for a Fair Economy that would require anyone contracting with the city for $50,000 or more to pay employees at least $10 per hour and provide health insurance coverage or $11.50 an hour without benefits. A living wage ordinance requires employers to pay wages that are above federal or state minimum wage levels. Only a specific set of workers are covered by living wage ordinances, usually those employed by businesses that have a contract with a city or county government or those who receive economic development subsidies from the locality. The rationale behind the ordinances is that city and county governments should not contract with or subsidize employers who pay poverty-level wages.

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce opposes the consideration of a living wage ordinance in the city of Fresno based on the fact the Chamber opposes mandated wages by the government, and the estimated impact it will have on the greater business community. Letters have been sent to all local elected officials making them aware of this issue.

Contact Kerri Ginis, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or kginis@fresnochamber.com