The Nashville Movement

Metro Councilman, Jerry Maynard, Wants Wage Increase for Government Employees

Posted: March 9, 2008 06:03 PM on http://www.newschannel5.com

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The nation's economy is struggling, and the downturn is affecting some more than others. A local group believes that Nashville's own city workers are among those left behind. Most people are familiar with the concept of a minimum wage, but it doesn't take an economist to know that surviving on $5.80 an hour is virtually impossible. Many in the city are now calling for creation of a "living wage" in Nashville.

"It becomes a moral issue. I can't call myself a Christian unless I am concerned about my brother and sister who are doing the right thing- working," said Metro Councilmember Jerry Maynard.

Metro Councilman Jerry Maynard discovered that city workers were among those struggling the most: working, but barelysurviving.

"I work with co-workers now who struggle to even provide food for their children, and yet they'reworking for the city government," said Boseman.

"What would a Metro employee need to be paid to be able to live in Davidson County and survive, clothe their children, feed their kids...all that stuff? And $10.35 is the number with healthcare," said Snar.

"A number of cities, New York City, Chicago. You think of a big city, they probably have a living wage ordinance," said Snar.

"I believe that if you work for the Metro Government you should not be at the poverty level. Youshould not even be close to the poverty line," said Maynard.

They plan to work with local businesses and city officials to help raise wages in the private sector as well as in metro government. The living wage in Memphis is currently $10.00 an hour.