The Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board Policy Register states in section B.6.11, that, "the GM shall not allow any employee to work for less than a living wage."
Determining a living wage isn't a precise science. Estimates for one adult with no children working full time in Cook County range from $13.30 to $18.56 per hour. For one adult supporting two children, estimates range from $30.90 to $38.12. (More info on living wage calculators available here.)
As of now, the starting wage at the co-op is $12.00/hr, well below NCG's own livable wage calculation for the Dill Pickle at $13.31. Regardless of how we define a living wage, it is clear that the Co-op is not in compliance with this policy.
We, the undersigned staff of the Dill Pickle believe urge the board of directors to ensure the GM come into compliance with this policy for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 2018.
We want to work at a store that values our ability to sustain and support ourselves and our families. In order for our coop to be a positive economic force and sustain its employees as part of the community it envisions, the board must make moves to secure employees' economic well-being.
