Oakland’s minimum wage went up to $12.25 this month, becoming the highest in the state. The increase is a whopping 36 percent jump from the previous statewide minimum of just $9.
Unfortunately, some employers are still not onboard with the wage increase, including the Peralta Community College District. The human resources department informed faculty and staff, via email saying, “The District is getting a legal opinion as to whether the District is exempt from the implementation of the Oakland Ordinance Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave.”
A few faculty members have expressed concern about this startling reaction from the district. It’s disconcerting to think that our college district would be so resistant to a voter-approved minimum wage increase for their lowest-paid employees.
The new minimum wage was passed last November as Measure FF with 82 percent of the vote. Cities across the Bay Area have been steadily raising minimum wages over the last several years, starting in 2012 when San Jose raised their minimum wage to $10.
San Francisco raised its minimum wage this year, bringing it up to $12.25 starting May 1. Berkeley plans to increase minimum wage to $12.53 and Emeryville is considering an increase that will bring minimum wage close to $14 by the end of this year.
Minimum wage workers in Oakland will also be getting between five and nine paid sick days per year and can expect a yearly increase in minimum wage by an amount that corresponds with the annual federal consumer price index.
In an interview with KQED, Oakland Mayor Libby Shaaf said about the increase, “I appreciate this as a great starting place for Oakland. It is getting close to what we calculated the living wage is for Oakland. I would love to see the Bay Area become a little more affordable and the wages be better.”
Shaaf’s point is important; this is a huge step in the right direction for Oakland, but even this new minimum wage is still lower than what would be required to provide an income that matches the cost of living. If $12.25 still isn’t enough to survive for most people, then how can a college justify paying less?
Kit Berry is a Tower staff writer. Email her [email protected].