Whereas, classified and contracted employees form an integral part of the University of Virginia community;

Whereas, it compromises the values of the University when its employees must often take second and third jobs to meet their basic needs and those of their families;

Whereas, a living wage has been shown to ultimately cut business costs by reducing turnover while raising productivity, job commitment, and morale;

Whereas, a living wage will also benefit the Charlottesville/Albemarle community, as University employees further support the local economy and become increasingly independent from inefficient social safety nets;

Whereas, the University's stated commitment to diversity must confront the fact that people of color, particularly women, form a disproportionate number of those receiving less than a living wage;

Whereas, several localities in Virginia, including Charlottesville, Arlington, and Alexandria, have already passed resolutions guaranteeing a living wage to classified and contracted government workers;

Whereas, over two thousand student signatures were submitted to Student Council and the Board of Visitors in support of a living wage in 2003; therefore be it,

Resolved, The Undersigned urge the University to ensure that all classified and contracted workers receive no less than an indexed living wage, taking into account any benefits provided, as determined by Cost of living = Hourly Wage (40hrs/wk x 52 wks/yr)