The Living Wage debate is beginning to percolate once again. This time, however,
it is the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce that is going on the defensive,
demonstrating widespread support throughout the business community, and developing
a research package that it expects will demonstrate the economic impact of implementing
a living wage.
A University of Chicago professor has been hired to conduct a study that chamber executives believe will show that implementation of a living wage, proposed at well over $12 an hour, would have severe economic ramifications for not only Providence but throughout the state.
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As Laurie White, a chamber vice president suggests, it’s hard to oppose the concept of a living wage – until you realize its economic impact.
While we think the study is important, we believe its conclusions will not be surprising, showing that if a living wage were implemented, instead of resulting in more jobs and higher wages, it would mean some companies would no longer bid for city contracts; it would result in fewer jobs and fewer opportunities.
The living wage, according to the proposal before the Providence City Council, would apply to companies’ employees when they are working on city projects and to companies and organizations that receive any financial aid from the city.
We continue to believe strongly that the way to improve wages of even our poorest citizens is to provide them with the opportunities and incentive to participate in training programs to improve their job skills. Instead of an incentive, a handout, such as the living wage, only provides more cause for someone to decide against improving his or her skill level, which in turn relates to wages, job opportunities and dignity.
