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Contact: Carol Zabin
Phone: (510) 642-9176
Email:
The living wage movement is “the most interesting (and underreported) grassroots enterprise to emerge since the civil rights movement … signaling a resurgence of local activism around pocketbook issues.”
-Robert Cutter, Columnist
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 Living Wage Policies and Wal-Mart: How a Higher Wage Standard Would Impact Wal-Mart Workers and Shoppers
December 2007, by Arindrajit Dube, Dave Graham-Squire, Ken Jacobs and Stephanie Luce
» Full Report 
» Press Release
» Press Coverage
This study analyzes what the impact on Wal-Mart workers and shoppers would be if the retailer increased its minimum wage to $10 per hour. It finds that a $10 per hour minimum wage would provide significant, concentrated benefits to Wal-Mart workers, the majority in low-income families, while the costs would be dispersed in small amounts among many consumers across the income spectrum.
Industrial Relations: The Impacts of Living Wage Policies
»Vol. 44 Issue 1, January 2005
Special issue devoted to new research on the impact of living wage ordinances.Special issue devoted to new research on the impact of living wage ordinances.
Living Wage Policies at the San Francisco Airport: Impacts on Workers and
Businesses
January 2005, by Michael Reich, Peter Hall and Ken Jacobs
» Research Report
The authors evaluate the costs and benefits of a living wage ordinance implemented at the San Francisco Airport (SFO). Impacts of these policies are measured in terms of wages, turnover, worker morale, work effort, and employment, all of which improved. The authors find that pay for low-wage workers rose dramatically at SFO as a result of the ordinance, and earnings inequality among low-wage, non-managerial workers declined significantly as well. The study concludes that there was no overall employment loss, and that additional costs to employers are negligible.
Living Wages and Economic Performance
March 2003, by Michael Reich, Peter Hall and Ken Jacobs
» Research Report
» Appendices
This report examines the living wage ordinances in place for San Francisco International Airport employees, focusing specifically on the Quality Standards Program (QSP). The authors profile the various low-wage occupations based at the airport before QSP, and trace the development of the low-wage labor market in the airport jobs complex. The study then assesses the impact of QSP on workers, firms, taxpayers, and airport security, ultimately finding the ordinance to be an exemplary model of “high road” economic policy.
The Impact of a Large Wage Increase on the Workforce Stability of IHSS Home Care Workers in San Francisco County
November 2002, by Candace Howes
» Research Report
Study traces changes to San Francisco’s homecare labor market following recent wage increases and the extension of healthcare benefits to workers. The author profiles the workforce of in-home support services (IHSS) before and after the major changes, looking at employment figures, income, worker turnover, “match” with consumers, and worker demographics. The author concludes with a discussion of the costs to county, state, and federal government.
A Living Wage for Santa Rosa and Petaluma: A Report on the Benefits and Impacts of a Living Wage Ordinance on the Cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma
August 2002, by Samantha Teplitzky
» Research Report
Report examines the potential impacts of proposed living wage laws in the cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma (California). The author makes the case for a wage floor, profiling the overall “cost of living” against the prevalence of low-wage employment in both cities. The elements of the typical living wage ordinance are explained in easy-to-follow FAQ format. The author examines the various impacts of the law—on workers, firms, and the cities—and concludes that the upside of the proposed ordinance more than outweighs its minimal costs to firms.
Living Wages & Airport Security
September 2001, by Michael Reich, Peter Hall and Ken Jacobs
» Research Report
A preliminary report dealing with the San Francisco Airport’s living wage ordinance, written in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The report looks at pre-ordinance airport security, finding weaknesses that stemmed from low wages, low worker morale, high turnover, and inadequate training. The authors contrast this with the San Francisco Airport security screening after the living wage was implemented. The authors find the San Francisco Airport model to be superior to the FAA’s security standards revisions being proposed at the time.
Living Wages at the Port of Oakland
December 1999, by Carol Zabin, Michael Reich and Peter Hall
» Research Report
This report, written before actual passage of the law, examines the potential impacts of a living wage ordinance for the Port of Oakland. The authors explain the stimulus for the extension of the living wage law to Port tenants (groups here into real estate, maritime port, and airport activity). The study profiles Port employment by job composition, worker demographics, and wage levels, followed by a cost-benefit analysis of the impact upon firms and workers in each of the three sectors. The authors find modest costs for airport and maritime port tenants, and larger but still acceptable costs for real estate tenants.
Living Wages at the Airport and Port of San Francisco: The Benefits and the Costs
October 1999, by Michael Reich and Peter Hall
» Research Report
The second half of a cost-benefit analysis of San Francisco’s living wage ordinance, examining the effects upon leaseholders of city property (primarily employers based at the airport and the port). The authors examine the number and types of businesses affected, the job composition and pre-ordinance wage rates of covered workers, and the costs of the ordinance to firms—with special attention paid to the restaurant sector. The study ultimately finds modest costs for both airport and port tenants.
Living Wages & the San Francisco Economy: The Benefits and the Costs
June 1999, by Michael Reich, Peter Hall and Fiona Hsu
» Research Report
A cost-benefit analysis of San Francisco’s living wage ordinance, conducted before passage of the law. The study focuses on three of the four groups to which the ordinance would apply: for-profit and non-profit firms holding service contracts with the city, and home health care workers. The authors calculate the expected costs and benefits to city and county governments, to affected firms and workers, and to the local economy. The report ultimately finds that the ordinance will have a significant positive impact, with negligible to moderate costs for affected parties.
Living Wage Campaigns in the Economic Policy Arena: Four Case Studies from California
June 1999, by Carol Zabin and Isaac Martin
» Research Report
This report highlights best practices in living wage movements through case studies of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and San Diego campaigns. Discussion centers on the fruitful alliance between labor unions and community organizations in building living wage movements, and on living wage ordinances as tools for equitable economic growth.
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