University of Montana in Support of Forward Montana's Just Wages for UM Janitors

Type: Resolution

Status: No indication

Source File: http://www.umt.edu/asum/resolutions-s07.htm#45

Text:

Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM)

B45-06/07
Resolution in Support of Forward Montana's Just Wages for UM Janitors Campaign

Whereas, The University of Montana is an institution of higher education committed to educating students to be "informed, ethical, and engaged citizens of local and global communities";

Whereas, The Associated Students of The University of Montana have shown a strong commitment to securing just wages through our innovative implementation of wage scales set above minimum wage, setting a higher standard among other employers at UM, as well as our resolution endorsing I-151 and joining the Raise Montana Coalition;

Whereas, the starting wage for janitors at The University of Montana is $3,000 less than 2006 Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of four, as determined by The US Department of Health and Human Services;

Whereas, a family of three fares only marginally better at just $400 over the federal poverty limit;

Whereas, anyone working a fulltime job deserves to be making a wage that is at the very least above the federal poverty limit;

Whereas, janitors at The University of Montana currently make a starting wage that is $1,500 less than their counterparts at Montana State University, despite a similar cost of living;

Whereas, UM already experiences difficulty retaining janitors on staff, and with numerous buildings set to break ground or open their doors, employee retention will only become more of a concern;

Therefore, Let It Be Resolved that the Associated Students of The University of Montana support and endorse Forward Montana's Just Wages for UM Janitors campaign to raise janitor wages at The University of Montana to at least the same level as Montana State University's.