News Archive of November 2009

Prevailing wage bill coming up for debate in council
Released Date: 23 Nov 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It took $5.3 million in public money to make the Residence Inn and Schenley Gardens in North Oakland a reality. Nearly 12 years after that public investment was approved, housekeeping staff at the inn start at $7.50 an hour -- below what would be considered a "prevailing wage" under legislation that may come up for a vote today in Pittsburgh City Council.

To advocates of the legislation, the hotel's pay rate is an example of government creating low-wage jobs. To the hotel's owners, such starting salaries are a matter of economic reality.

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Shields' prevailing wage bill would cover those under city contracts
Released Date: 18 Nov 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shields introduced a bill Tuesday that would require some service workers get prevailing wages for jobs funded with public money.

The bill would require the wages, benefits and time off for food service, grocery and hotel employees working under city contracts or on projects funded with public subsidies. The prevailing wage is the median pay of specific jobs — in the public and private sectors — throughout the city.

"It doesn't pay to keep people poor," Shields said. "It's counterintuitive."

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City Council proposes legislation for wage floor Mayor, URA leader express concern
Released Date: 18 Nov 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Aiming to stop Pittsburgh government from subsidizing "poverty-level jobs," a coalition of labor, environmental, religious and community organizations joined City Council members yesterday to propose wage floors for certain workers on city-backed development projects and contracts.

The legislation is the first of a planned package of bills characterized as development reforms that would also touch on community input, environmental impact, affordable housing and the distribution of funds to low-income communities.

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Councilman to introduce city prevailing wage legislation
Released Date: 17 Nov 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Council President Doug Shields is expected to introduce today a sweeping proposal to require prevailing wage rates for many employees working on city contracts or in city-subsidized developments.

Mr. Shields last night circulated the proposed legislation to fellow council members, seeking co-sponsors.

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