(The Center Square) — Employees received a pay bump Thursday from an ordinance voted on by the Caddo Parish Commission.
The commission passed an ordinance with seven in favor and four against that requires vendors who are contracted by Caddo to pay employees working on parish projects no less than $15 an hour for all hours worked.
This amendment applies in two scenarios: businesses that employ 16 or more employees and contracts $25,000 or more that are not required by Louisiana law to be publicly bid.
The commission’s amendment adds to earlier legislation approved in August that changed the minimum classified pay rate to $15 an hour for permanent parish employees.
Commissioners shared their support for raising the wages and stated that the decision is important to citizen’s livelihood.
“It comes in a way that provides for human dignity. That’s what we’re trying to promote, we’re not trying to put any additional burden on our community,” District 2 Commissioner Greg Young said.
Those in opposition also commented, with one commissioner saying he disagrees with the idea the ordinance adds no additional burden.
“We’re imposing the view of the commission upon proudly owned businesses that have the ability to negotiate their own contracts and wages with each of their employees,” District 9 Commissioner John Atkins said. “I also feel that it will be increasing the cost to the taxpayers for the services that are contracted by the Parish.”
District 4 Commissioner and Chairman John-Paul Young added his two cents before they voted.
“The Parish costs go up, food prices go up, wages also have to go up. There’s not really any way around it,” Young said. “I’m gonna vote in favor of this because people need enough money to survive here.”
To date, over 140 cities and counties across the country have adopted living wage ordinances, and Caddo Parish joins Orleans Parish in the state of Louisiana.