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| AUSTIN, TX – On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Austin City Council passed a budget amendment, introduced by District 2 Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, to increase the living wage for city employees to $20/hr. This historic investment was passed as a part of the city’s final budget proposal and will raise wages for thousands of workers, fill vacancies, and provide Austinites with reliable and quality city services across the board. “With the support of unions, workers, and community advocates, Austin City Council has met the moment and truly invested in our city's workforce. A $20/hr living wage will provide Austinites with reliable and high-quality city services while also enabling our public employees to live in the city they serve. Today's historic investment will provide city workers with the highest living wage in the entire country, and pave the way for Austin to become the family-friendly city we're striving to be,” said Councilmember Fuentes. “Over the last months, our Council has heard powerful testimony from the men and women who serve this city about the financial struggles they are facing,” said District 9 Council Member Kathie Tovo. “The City of Austin needs to invest in our employees so they can thrive here in the City and can meet their own basic needs. I appreciate everyone who encouraged us to do the right thing and pay a livable $20 an hour wage.” “One of the few ways the City Council can directly address affordability in our community is through the wages we pay, and our employees have definitely earned this raise,” said District 5 Councilmember Ann Kitchen. “I’m proud of this Council for prioritizing our employees in this budget.” "I'm glad Council supports the $20 minimum wage, the largest living wage increase in our city's history. Given the cost of living in Austin, $20 represents fair compensation for the work of our government employees,” said District 3 Councilmember Jose ‘Chito’ Vela. “My hope is that other organizations in Austin will also raise their wages as a result of our actions." “AFSCME 1624 knows the charge our members lead, by telling us their personal stories, their everyday responsibilities of trying to survive financially in Austin, Texas. The workers have been heard and I am thrilled the $20 livable wage has passed! Power to the Workers!” said AFSCME Local 1624 President Yvonne Flores. This budget amendment was co-sponsored by Council Member Ann Kitchen, Council Member Kathie Tovo, Council Member Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria, and Council Member José ‘Chito’ Vela. |
