Living wage represents Silicon Valley's pathway out of poverty
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_26809219/luisa-blue-and-michele-lew-living-wage-represents
At a time when inequality in Silicon Valley has reached outrageous levels, what does it mean to be a good employer?
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is looking to set an example with a comprehensive living wage policy that will improve the lives of thousands of workers. At a time when many employers show far more concern for their investors than their employees, the county can set the standards of what it means to provide a good job....
The policy will also set an example for other employers in the county. Not every job is a good job. Most Americans who live in poverty work; they work for poverty wages with inadequate or no benefits. Here in Silicon Valley, one of the wealthiest communities in the world, one out of three households does not earn enough to be self-sufficient. The iconic companies of Silicon Valley, Google, Apple, eBay and others, can certainly afford to meet the county's living wage standard for their contract workers, many of whom do not earn enough to make ends meet. Everyone should take the "Can You Survive in Silicon Valley" online challenge at www.svlivingwage.com.
Employers who do not pay a living wage force the rest of us to subsidize their workforce. Their workers need food, medical care and other necessities. If those workers cannot afford the essentials, they probably will rely on government assistance covered by taxpayers. In order to end subsidies for low-road employment practices, we need good employers to lead the way. Santa Clara County should be proud to take the leadership role in setting the standards with a comprehensive living wage policy.