JERSEY CITY, NJ – Hudson County’s “living wage” policy has been in place for several years, providing workers, who are hired by contractors doing business with the county, a current base hourly wage of $10.88 per hour, as well as health insurance support, vacation pay, among other benefits. That base rate could rise 25 cents to $11.13 per hour or $520 per year for a full-time worker under a cost-of-living ordinance championed by County Executive DeGise and Freeholder O’Dea that will be considered by the Board of Freeholders over the next month.

“Working Families United for New Jersey, Inc. commends Hudson County’s groundbreaking efforts to increase its “living wage” base rate from $10.88 to $11.13 per hour, which would help workers keep pace with rising costs,” stated Chair Charles Hall, Jr. “Our coalition, having spearheaded the “Raise the Wage” campaign in New Jersey, realizes the broad importance of supporting wages that allow workers to make ends meet.”

“Our coalition applauds Hudson County’s leadership and the proactive approach which they are taking to support living wage jobs. This sets a great example for our state which also needs to focus on lifting workers up to a higher standard of living rather than just eking out a living,” added Hall.

Working Families United for New Jersey, Inc. is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization, comprised of over 256 labor, religious, community, civil rights, student, women, and retiree groups, collectively committed to improving the quality of life for all New Jersey families through issue advocacy and participation in the democratic process.

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