HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2024-013-Living Wage Day Proclamation 013 Td �
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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LIVING WAGE DAY
PROCLAMATION
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WHEREAS , chronic poverty is one of the biggest challenges to sustainable , diverse , and
healthy communities ; and
WHEREAS , the costs of housing, food, childcare , transportation, and healthcare have
increased substantially since the federal minimum wage of $ 7 . 25 /hour was last raised in i
2009 ; and
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WHEREAS , North Carolina is one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their $ 7 . 25
minimum wage, even for inflation, over the past fifteen years ; and
WHEREAS , the current living wage in Orange County is $ 17 . 65 per hour, more than
$ 10/hour higher than the state and federal minimums ; and
WHEREAS , many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living r`
in poverty despite full-time employment ; and
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WHEREAS , higher wages create more opportunities for those who work in Orange
County to live here and enjoy shorter commutes that free up time for recreation, family ,
and community , and
WHEREAS , employers who pay their workers a living wage report substantially less 1
turnover and absenteeism, better job performance , and more positive customer I
engagement; and 1%
WHEREAS , Orange County Living Wage, a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, currently
has 260 employers on its directory who voluntarily pay a living wage and promotes them
locally to build a base of engaged, informed consumers who support living-wage - certified
businesses and nonprofits ; and F
WHEREAS , Labor Day is a national holiday in recognition of the contributions of
workers to the economy and broader community ,
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners , on behalf of
Orange County Government as a living-wage - certified employer, do hereby proclaim
September 2 , 2024 , Labor Day , as Living Wage Day in Orange County and encourage
consumers to support businesses paying their workers a living wage . is
This the 18th day of June , 2024 .
Ja ezetta Wdford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners