Pittsburgh City Council OKs prevailing wage bill
Hotel, cafeteria and building maintenance workers workers at future city-subsidized developments are in line for a pay raise within the next two months following city council's unanimous approval today of a prevailing wage bill.
The measure would apply to employers at future developments of 100,000 square feet or larger and grocery stores 25,000 square feet or larger that receive $100,000 i or more in city subsidies or that contract with the city. City Controller Michael Lamb would determine the prevailing wage using the median wage of employees working similar jobs. Lamb would determine the wage rate at least once a year.
"All we are asking... is for the three or four janitors who work in the building get paid fair wages so they can buy a house in the city and support their family," said Councilman Doug Shields.
Many developers, building contractors and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl had opposed the legislation, saying it would hurt development in the city. Ravenstahl vetoed a similar bill on New Year's Eve, but said yesterday he did not plan to veto the legislation if it was approved unanimously. He did suggest he may not sign the bill, but that would not stop it from becoming law.
The measure would apply to employers at future developments of 100,000 square feet or larger and grocery stores 25,000 square feet or larger that receive $100,000 i or more in city subsidies or that contract with the city. City Controller Michael Lamb would determine the prevailing wage using the median wage of employees working similar jobs. Lamb would determine the wage rate at least once a year.
"All we are asking... is for the three or four janitors who work in the building get paid fair wages so they can buy a house in the city and support their family," said Councilman Doug Shields.
Many developers, building contractors and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl had opposed the legislation, saying it would hurt development in the city. Ravenstahl vetoed a similar bill on New Year's Eve, but said yesterday he did not plan to veto the legislation if it was approved unanimously. He did suggest he may not sign the bill, but that would not stop it from becoming law.