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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

VALLEY FORUM: A Living Wage in a New City?

VALLEY FORUM: A Living Wage in a New City? Along with a number of cities, Los Angeles some years ago adopted a living wage ordinance, compelling companies that do business with the city to pay its employees an amount above and beyond the federal minimum wage. It is certainly one issue a new Valley city council could take up and either agree to continue or reject. So, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal asks: Should a new Valley city adopt a living wage ordinance similar to the one already in effect in Los Angeles? Zane Averbach Partner Goldfarb, Sturman & Averbach Encino A living wage ordinance would be worthy of the consideration of a new Valley city council. The council would have to consider the effect on business to be sure that such an ordinance would not be overly oppressive. The council also might consider discussing the matter with neighboring municipalities, as a unilateral position may encourage businesses to move to neighboring cities. The council would also be well advised to consider exemptions from the Living Wage provisions, e. g. for students or small businesses. Larry G. Gray Vice President Spindler Engineering Corp. Van Nuys The Valley city should not adopt the living wage ordinance. This ordinance does not help business or the workers. It makes the city less competitive with neighboring cities such as Burbank, Glendale or Santa Clarita. It also makes it more difficult for entry-level workers to move into the work force, due to the higher starting salary. The living wage ordinance is one of many reasons why the Valley city will be more competitive and can provide more jobs if it is separated from the bureaucracy of the city of Los Angeles. Rosemarie Wolff President Royal Staffing Services Sherman Oaks Why would a new Valley city not want to adopt a living wage ordinance? In today’s economy the minimum wage does not support an individual, much less a family. Along with this ordinance, we must assure that the schools provide the education that will prepare a work force with the oral and written skills to enable them to perform in the working world and merit more than a living wage. Wafa Kanan President Unique Image Inc. Northridge I would vote no on the living wage ordinance. Margins on city and government projects are so small that the benefit of working with the city is erased by paying higher wages. Most employees make more than minimum, so the point is relevant only in some instances.

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