Give Jax State Workers a Living Wage

President Don Killingsworth

All workers at Jax State deserve to be paid a living wage. For too long, employees of the university have not been fairly compensated for their work. We are calling on President Don Killingsworth to increase wages for hourly workers to align with the cost of living in Northeast Alabama. Sign the petition to let President Killingsworth know that you believe all workers at Jax State deserve a living wage!

If you would like to learn more about United Campus Workers or to join our union, visit ucwal.org!

To: President Don Killingsworth
From: [Your Name]

The United Campus Workers at Jax State (UCW-JSU) are committed to fairness and dignity for all who work at the university. For too long, employees of the university have not earned a living wage.

We are calling on the university to do the following:
-Raise the minimum pay for hourly workers to $15 per hour by the end of 2024.
-Raise the minimum pay for hourly workers to $17 per hour by 2025.

After UCW-JSU launched its campaign to increase campus employees' salaries, Jax State announced it was beginning a compensation study. We urge Jax State to be transparent about the study. This includes specifying which employee salaries will be prioritized, identifying the consulting firm, and providing a timeline and scope of the study. UCW-JSU believes that any effort to improve workers' wages should prioritize providing a living wage to Jax State's hourly workers.

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a living wage for each working adult in a family of four is just over $21 dollars per hour for Calhoun County. While the cost of living in Alabama has increased dramatically in recent years, wages for workers have not kept pace. Student workers at Jax State start at $8.25 per hour, housekeepers start at $9.09 per hour, and custodial maintenance workers start at $11.50 per hour. Step raises for hourly workers--the only route many have to significant pay increases--disappeared over 15 years ago.

Offering hourly employees a living wage benefits the university, its students, and the surrounding region. By investing in its people, the university can demonstrate its commitment to the hardworking, dedicated employees who make up the Jax State family–who make it the “Friendliest Campus in the South.”

It’s past time to pay workers who are integral to campus operations what they deserve. Let Jax State know that you support a living wage for campus workers by signing your name to this petition.