Can you live on the current minimum wage, a mere $5.15 an hour? We didn’t think so. And neither do Ferndale’s five City Council members, who voted unanimously last week to pass a living wage ordinance. The new law requires companies awarded city contracts of more than $25,000 to pay workers $8.50 an hour and provide health benefits; companies that don’t offer health insurance must pay $9.75 an hour.
Ferndale, of course, is not the first city in Michigan to pass a living wage ordinance. But it may be the last. In December, the Republican-dominated state Legislature attempted to repeal all living wage ordinances across the state. The effort failed, but you can bet your bottom dollar another attempt will be made — soon. Until then, live it up.
Ann Mullen contributed to News Hits, which is edited by Curt Guyette. He can be reached at 313-202-8004 or [email protected]
