AFT’s Personnel Program and Policy Council, President Diamonté Brown and the PSRP Committee have identified the lack of a living wage for many of our members as a central issue for the constituency. It is time to support members who are demanding a living wage so members can provide food, shelter, and clothing for their families and improve the economy for the City of Baltimore and beyond especially after PSRPs held up the sky during the COVID-19 crisis of leadership.
What is a living wage?
A living wage is the annual income a person would need to earn in order to live comfortably in a given location. A living wage is calculated based on the specific costs of living in a city or county; things like housing costs, food, transportation, and insurance costs all play into the living wage calculation. A subsistence wage is how we are compensated now. Don’t you want to thrive and not just survive? The PSRP Committee is working for a living wage. Join us at bit.ly/btujoinpsrps
What do one of the top experts calculate as a living wage in Baltimore City?
For 1 adult who cares for 0 children, the MIT believes that the living wage is $15.84.
For 1 adult who cares for 1 child, the MIT beleives that the living wage is $33.87.
For 1 adult who cares for 2 children, the MIT believes that the living wage is $41.90.
For 2 adults (with one adult working) who care for 0 children the MIT believes that the living wage is $25.81.
For 2 adults (with one adult working) who care for 1 child, the MIT beleives that the living wage is $31.22.
For 2 adults (with one adult working) who care for 2 children, the MIT believes that the living wage is 34.81.
Is that enough?
That’s a great question. While we respect the MIT, we also respect the wisdom and local knowledge of the grassroots who are our educators and staff. Our educators are also experts in math and social sciences. We have a bird’s eye view and local expertise on what we need and we know that we need more. Members completed a survey showing a range of livable wages. In our PSRP Committee meetings, we will discuss what Living Wage works for our chapter.
How can I take action?
Join us at PSRP Committee Meetings. The PSRP Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Email the committee’s secretary Chris Bilal at CBilal at baltu.org for details. Join the committee by signing up at bit.ly/btujoinpsrps
Additional Compensation for Substituting
Reach out to Natalia at nbacchus@baltu.org to sign up to give public comment at an upcoming school board meeting! We need members to tell the school board that we need to get a higher compensation for substituting!
What else should I know?
Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions that our members have felt curious about.
Who should I contact?
For more information contact Chris Bilal, PSRP Member Engagement Team Associate, at CBilal at baltu.org.
Thank you for taking action!
