Orange County Schools Certified As Living Wage Employer

The Orange County Schools have been certified as living wage employers by  Orange County Living Wage.

“Paying a living wage is an investment in our employees, families and community, ” said Donna Coffey, chair of the Orange County Schools Board of Education. “One that we hope will allow us to retain our talented personnel and better enable them to live in the county in which they work.”

OCLW is a non-profit that promotes a living wage in Orange County.

Orange County Schools is  OCLW’s largest certified employer, with nearly 1,150 full time and part time workers.

“We are thrilled to have Orange County Schools on board as a living wage employer,” said Mark Marcoplos, who certified the school system. “It represents another big step in our efforts to lift full-time workers out of poverty so that they can provide the most basic needs for themselves and their families.”

Nearly 50 employers and organizations have been certified by OCLW, including Orange County, which employs 910 people.

To be certified as a living wage employer , all employees, full or part time, must be payed at least $12.75 per hour or, at least $11.25 per hour for employees who receive health benefits.

“Paying a living wage is not only the right thing to do for workers,” Marcopolos said. “It is a savvy business decision, reducing turn-over and boosting workplace morale and productivity.”