Metro’s board of directors again delayed passage of a living-wage proposal Thursday that was originally included in the transit agency’s proposed $1.1 billion fiscal 2007 operating budget.
Two Maryland board members, Charles Deegan and Robert Smith, both appointed to the board by Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, had threatened to veto the entire budget if their colleagues insisted on pushing through the $1.2 million proposal. It would force all contractors to pay the regional living-wage standard of $11.60 per hour to employees working on Metro jobs.
Recognizing the stalemate, Virginia board member Dana Kauffman pushed through an amended proposal that delays a decision for six months but also sets aside $600,000 for the second half of the fiscal year should theMaryland members shift their stance.
Metro has six voting members on its board, including two each from the District, Virginia and Maryland. At least one member from each jurisdiction must vote in favor in order for a proposal to pass.
“We should not tolerate having a small portion of our work force being paid wages below the poverty level,” said Virginia board member Chris Zimmerman.
The issue, which has been debated for years, resurfaced earlier this year when the system’s 100 contracted parking lot attendants complained of low wages and union-busting tactics by their employer, LAZ Parking. Parking lot attendants make between $7.50 and $8 per hour.
Raising pay
The proposal would force all contractors to pay the regional living-wage standard of $11.60 per hour to employees working Metro jobs.
