The Austin City Council has unanimously passed a resolution to begin the process of raising the minimum wage for City of Austin employees, with the goal to develop a plan and timeline to reach a $22/hr wage. This resolution, introduced by District 2 Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, makes the wage increase a top priority for budgetary discussions.
“Workers have made their voices heard, and now we must act,” said Councilmember Fuentes “Raising the living wage is not just about providing our workers with the basic dignity they deserve in the city that they help power but ensuring reliable, quality City services for all Austinites. With vacancies at a record high, now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to the working class by increasing the base wage. Nobody should struggle to get by while working full-time in one of the wealthiest cities in the country..”
Of the 210 speakers who provided public comment during the June 16th council session, 95 spoke in support of the wage increase.
“I see this proposal as a jobs creation proposal. We are about 300 [life]guards short across City of Austin public pools… By instituting a $22 living wage you will fill jobs, you will create jobs… It will benefit not just us [lifeguards], but all city employees,” said Lifeguard Scott Dobbs while providing public comment during the Council Session.
This item was co-sponsored by Council Member Ann Kitchen, Council Member José ‘Chito’ Vela, Council Member Kathie Tovo, and Council Member Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria.
