(WXYZ) — Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell unveiled her plan to implement a $15 minimum wage for all-full time workers employed by the county.
“Increasing the minimum wage is economic policy that works and helps working families meet their needs,” said Powell. “If you work full-time, you should not live in poverty. If you work full-time for Oakland County, you should be able to meet your economic needs. This is an issue we campaigned on, and a promise we intend to deliver on.”
The proposal would increase the salary rate for all full-time eligible county employees to a minimum of $15 an hour. The rate increase would begin in July 2019.
It also calls on the Oakland County Purchasing Department to encourage contractors and subcontractors to provide a $15 minimum wage to any employees to any employees performing work via service contracts with the county.
“While most Oakland County jobs pay more than $15 per hour, too many do not,” said Powell. “This is about increasing economic opportunity for all. We invite all other counties in Michigan to join us to do right thing.”
However, the measure was met with opposition from the Republican Caucus.
Michael Gingell, chairman of the Republican Caucus, said the measure misrepresents the facts regarding Oakland County government's practices and policies related to employee wage and benefits.
"While we all agree that those in the workplace should be paid a fair wage and that compensation needs to be sustainable for families, to make an issue out of something that does not exist in Oakland County Government is irresponsible and unacceptable," Gingell said in a release. "The fact is, that Oakland County continues to lead with policies and practices that fairly compensates employees. At this time, of the roughly 3,500 full-time eligible County employees, less than 50 individuals (0.0142% of the total employee population) earn less than $15 per hour. For those individuals that fall below the $15 per hour rate, they typically are in entry level or administrative related roles, which have hourly rate ranges between $12.60 and $14.60 with potential step increases that will put them above $15 per hour after the first 6-12 months of employment."
"I believe the Democratic press conference held today is nothing more than local leaders pushing the Socialist philosophy that we are seeing in Washington. It is a travesty that Democrats want to tell business leaders how to run their companies, what they must pay their employees and how much money a company should be able to make," said Gingell.
