Durham Tech becomes the largest Durham organization recognized as a certified living wage employer

The Durham Living Wage Project has officially recognized Durham Technical Community College as a certified living wage employer. The College is the largest employer to date to have received this recognition.

To qualify, a company must pay their employees a living wage by Durham Living Wage Project’s standards. Durham Living Wage Project defines a living wage as one that lets the employee afford basic essentials, such as housing, food, and personal transportation. To become certified, companies must pay their employees at least $13.35 an hour.

Durham Tech pays all full-time employees at least $15 an hour and all part-time, non-work study employees a minimum of $13.35 an hour.

“The commitment that the College has to be a living wage employer for both Durham and Orange counties only further supports our mission to be an employer of choice,” said Kathryn McKinley, Executive Director of Human Resources at Durham Tech.

Durham Tech is listed on the Durham Living Wage Project’s website in the Certified Employers section. The College joins more than 125 other certified Durham employers.

“The commitment Durham Tech has to paying its staff a living wage is commendable,” said Gabe Treves-Kagan of the Durham Living Wage Project Steering Committee. “Investing in their staff is the best way to ensure that all students continue to receive the support and high quality education they deserve.”

The Durham Living Wage Project’s mission is to support worker livelihoods by urging employers to pay living wages, certifying and publicly recognizing employers, and promoting living wages as a matter of conscience within the community. By promoting financial well-being through this market-driven certification program, the organization believes it can not only support workers but also strengthen employers and the community.

Durham Tech received a similar status from Orange County Living Wage in Spring 2018 for its Orange County campus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stephanie Turner: Durham Tech Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator 919-536-7246, ext. 5202; turners@durhamtech.edu