School Board passes Living Wage Policy

Below is the Press Release from last week. It should be noted that raising the wage floor for low wage jobs is a pathway not only out of immediate poverty for those affected, but also a solid mechanism for addressing the economic crisis. This courageous step taken by the Buffalo School District, demonstrates their understanding of the intersections of poverty and education as well as establishes a comprehensive and new way of developing sound, safe, and sustainable communities for our children to learn and grow.


The Buffalo School Board, with unanimous support, passed a Living Wage Policy for the school district last night, March 25th, 2009.This policy will ensure that all district employees earn a wage in accordance to the City of Buffalo Living Wage Ordinance.

The district will make a series of incremental pay increase to employees currently earning less than a Living Wage, in order to meet full compliance with the policy no later than FY 2011/2012.

The policy, as it stands, is for direct district employees. Employees to be initially effected by the wage increase are the Transportation Aids and the Food Service Workers, which prior to the implementation of this policy earn on average $8.40 with no benefits.

By adopting a policy that mirrors the City of Buffalo Living Wage Ordinance, the district will be doing its part to improve conditions for its workers and curb poverty within the city. By taking a stand to live by the boards mantra, “Putting Children and Families First, to Ensure Academic Excellence for All,” the district has acted with the understanding that there is a direct correlation between poverty and the quality of our neighborhoods and schools.

“I don’t have to tell anyone, that poverty has the potential to undermine every positive thing we do for our children and our communities,” said Joan Malone, a leader from the Coalition for Economic Justice. “Paying good wages for valued work helps alleviate the consistent strain and anxiety that poverty produces. The adoption of a Living Wage Policy means the restoration of dignity for workers.”

Esther Macklin, a Food Service worker with the School District, spoke to the packed Board of Education office. “I love my job. I wake up every morning with a smile on my face because I know that I am doing something for our children. I give them the sustenance they require to learn every day. It hurts me that we aren’t appreciated and that we are paid poverty wages.”

At about 9pm, after significant debate and compromise, the Board finally voted on a policy that will directly impact the economic situation of close to 1,000 workers.

“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Betty Martin, the President of the Transportation Aides of Buffalo. “I’ve been here since the beginning, for close to 2 years, encouraging the Board of Education to pass this. We are really happy the Board finally decided to do the right thing."