San Jose, CA Living Wage Policy

Date: June 8, 1999

Type: Ordinance

Status: Adopted

Resolution:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE LIVING WAGE POLICY

WHEREAS, it is beneficial to the health and welfare of all citizens of San Jose that all workers are paid a wage which enables them to not live in poverty; and

WHEREAS, the City awards many contracts to employers to provide services to the public and the City government; and

WHEREAS, many service employees in San Jose and their families live at or below the poverty line; and

WHEREAS, the payment of such inadequate compensation tends to negatively affect the quality of services to the City and the public by fostering high turnover and instability in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, the use of City funds to promote the creation of a livable wage will increase the ability of these employees to attain sustenance, decrease the amount of poverty and reduce the amount of taxpayer funded social services in San Jose; and

WHEREAS, many employers who provide contract services to the City or receive direct financial assistance do not provide health insurance to their employees which affects performance and absenteeism and has a negative impact to local and state health programs which can only be ameliorated by having employers providing reasonable health insurance to their employees; and

WHEREAS, a City policy providing for a livable wage is consistent with other programs operated by the City to meet the employment and economic development needs of low wage workers; and

WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this policy to provide for a livable wage for workers employed by employers who are awarded service contracts or direct financial assistance by the City, and thus enhance the welfare of workers of San Jose; and

WHEREAS, the City has determined that certain revisions to the Policy are necessary to clarify the intent and application of the Living Wage Policy.

WHEREAS, many service employees in San Jose and their families live at or below the poverty line; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Jose that the City approves the following Living Wage Policy:

Ordinance text: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/purchasing/livgwage.htm