From the DataCenter's Economic Justice Program, Winter 2002:

Living Wage Passes in Ashland

Oregon Action, a statewide social justice organization, is working with communities across Oregon to adopt a living wage. The group brought a living wage proposal to the Ashland City Council that would require the city and its contractors to pay workers at least $9.50 an hour with health benefits, or $10.75 per hour without.

Despite opposition from local business owners, the council approved the concept of a living wage last December, but called for the creation of a committee to figure out the details of who would be covered by the ordinance.

Prior to the final City Council vote this Fall, Oregon Action contacted the DataCenter's Economic Justice program for information on the Employment Policy Institute, an anti-living wage group backed by the restaurant and hospitality industry.

With overwhelming local support, the Ashland City Council passed the living wage ordinance.

City contractors, as well as any employer who receives subsidies or tax abatements from the city - including nonprofits - must pay their workers a living wage under the Ashland ordinance.

Rich Rohde, organizer for Oregon Action, points to an additional victory. Extensive local media coverage of the issue engaged the community in the living wage debate. Some organizations that are not subject to the ordinance have nevertheless increased workers' wages.

For further information or to get involved, contact Oregon Action.