HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2017-014 Proclamation Recognizing Labor Day 2017 as Living Wage Day in Orange County ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LABOR DAY 2017 AS
LIVING WAGE DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY
WHEREAS,chronic poverty is the biggest challenge to sustainable, diverse,and healthy
communities;and
WHEREAS,the minimum wage has not increased in North Carolina beyond the federally
mandated minimum of$7.25 set in 2009,which has lost nearly 10%of its value due to cost
of living increases;and
WHEREAS,the costs of housing,food,child care,and health care have increased
substantially in the eight years since the federal minimum was last raised; and
WHEREAS,many workers in Orange County make less than living wages; and
WHEREAS,a living wage can lift workers out of poverty and towards the middle class;and
WHEREAS,more workers with higher incomes can afford to live in Orange County and
spend money locally; and
WHEREAS,employers who pay their workers a living wage report substantially less
turnover,better job performance,and higher levels of positive customer engagement;and
WHEREAS,Orange County Living Wage has certified 126 employers who voluntarily pay a
living wage and promotes those employers to the community to build a base of engaged,
informed consumers who support living-wage-certified businesses and nonprofits;and
WHEREAS,Orange County Living Wage plans a month-long campaign in September 2017 to
encourage people to do business with living wage certified employers; and
WHEREAS,Labor Day is a national holiday in recognition of the contributions of workers to
our economy;and
WHEREAS,Orange County,in honor of Labor Day,maintains its support of living wage
efforts and businesses that provide a living wage to all their employees;
NOW,THEREFORE,the Orange County Board of Commissioners,a living-wage-certified
employer,does hereby proclaim Labor Day 2017 as Living Wage Day in Orange County and
encourage consumers to support businesses paying their workers a living wage.
This the 23rd day of August 2017.
Uai-eDorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners