Target: A Living Wage

NEA Today, Apr 2006 by O'Neil, John

After 37 years behind the wheel, Virginia's Margie Claiborne knows her way around a school bus. She's qualified for a commercial driver's license, is up-to-date on all the latest equipment, and has a veteran's knack for keeping a lid on student misbehavior.

AND FOR ALL THAT, what does she earn? About $10,000 a year. So little that she has to take a second job, while also finding time to take classes and care for her elderly father. It all makes her feel, she says, "Like I'm behind the 8-ball."

Such conditions led Jerry Parham, education support professional rep for the Sussex County Education Association, to approach the Virginia Education Association and NEA for help with a living wage campaign. Now, using some very convincing data, they're working to persuade community members.

Take inspiration from the living wage campaigns succeeding all over the country. Start by figuring out the cost of living in your community-the Economic Policy Institute has a helpful calculator at www.epi.org-then learn more about how other ESPs are winning at www.nea.org/pay/living-wage.html. -JOHN O'NEIL