Living Wage Employer Certification Program
In March 2008, JE launched our Certification Program, which identifies and promotes local employers that pay a Living Wage. Our current focus is on Buncombe and Transylvania Counties, though we certify employer throughout Western North Carolina. Over the past two years, we have Certified over 100 employers. Our program is an innovative approach to addressing the living wage issue, and is the largest of its kind in the country.
The Certification Program aims to reward existing Living Wage employers in our community, to provide low-wage employers with tools and incentives to increase workers’ wages, and to connect consumers to employers that are creating a just and sustainable local economy.
Criteria for Certification
- Pay at least the current Living Wage to all regular full- and part-time employees, which is $11.35/hour without benefits, or $9.85/hour with employer-provided health insurance.
- A Certified employer may pay a wage that is less than the living wage to part-time employees who are under 18 years old; to employees who are in a probationary period or hired temporarily (limited to 3 months); and to employees and volunteers paid by others.
- A certified employer may use benefits that are provided to employees, such as health insurance, tips, union membership, pensions, discounts, generous leave policies, etc., as an offset to the wage criteria.
Benefits of Certification
- “Living Wage Certified” emblem for display at your place of business.
- Free publicity through advertisements in local media outlets.
- Free promotion of your business through the Just Economics 800-member mailing list, printed materials, and website.
- Special profile of your business on the Just Economics website.
- Participation in high-profile press conferences and JE events aimed at promoting the Living Wage Employer Certification Program and its member employers.
- Being part of a growing network of local employers dedicated to building a more sustainable economy.