WORKER BILL OF RIGHTS

$15 Minimum Wage for All Louisville Workers

Ensuring Fair Wages and Worker Protections Across Louisville

THE PROBLEM

Louisville workers face significant economic challenges:

❌ Current minimum wage ($7.25 federal) leaves full-time workers below poverty line
❌ Cost of living in Louisville has increased while wages remain stagnant
❌ Working families struggle to afford housing, childcare, and basic necessities
❌ Economic inequality undermines community stability
❌ Businesses face high turnover due to low wages

Current Reality: A full-time worker at $7.25/hour earns only $15,080 annually – well below the federal poverty level for a family.
Our Solution: Worker Bill of Rights establishing $15 minimum wage and core worker protections.
Impact: Economic security for thousands of Louisville workers and their families.

WHAT THE WORKER BILL OF RIGHTS GUARANTEES

Core Provisions:

✓ $15 Minimum Wage – Phased implementation to give businesses time to adjust
✓ Predictable Scheduling – Advance notice of work schedules
✓ Paid Sick Leave – Earned sick time for all workers
✓ Anti-Wage Theft Protections – Enforcement mechanisms to ensure workers are paid fully
✓ Safe Working Conditions – Enhanced workplace safety standards
✓ Non-Discrimination – Equal treatment regardless of background

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

Year 1: $12/hour minimum wage
Year 2: $13.50/hour minimum wage
Year 3: $15/hour minimum wage
Year 4+: Annual adjustments tied to cost of living

This phased approach allows businesses to plan and adjust while steadily improving worker wages.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

For Workers:

• Full-time at $15/hour = $31,200 annually (vs. $15,080 at current minimum)
• Over $16,000 additional annual income for minimum wage workers
• Reduced reliance on public assistance programs
• Greater economic stability for families

For Businesses:

• Reduced employee turnover (saving recruitment and training costs)
• Increased worker productivity and morale
• More consumer spending in local economy
• Competitive advantage in attracting quality employees

For Louisville:

• Stronger local economy through increased spending power
• Reduced poverty rates
• Healthier, more stable neighborhoods
• Enhanced community pride and civic engagement

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

Cities that have implemented higher minimum wages have seen:

• Reduced poverty rates without significant job losses
• Increased consumer spending that benefits local businesses
• Lower turnover costs for employers
• Improved public health outcomes as workers can afford healthcare

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Will this hurt small businesses?
A: The phased implementation gives businesses time to adjust. Studies show increased wages often lead to higher productivity and lower turnover, offsetting costs. Additionally, workers with higher wages spend more locally, benefiting small businesses.

Q: How does this relate to the Metro Employee Compensation Plan?
A: The Worker Bill of Rights applies to ALL Louisville workers (private sector, contractors, etc.), while the Metro Employee Compensation Plan specifically addresses Louisville Metro Government employees. Both are part of our commitment to fair wages.

Q: What about jobs that pay tips?
A: The policy includes provisions for tipped workers to ensure their total compensation meets the minimum wage standard.

OUR COMMITMENT

The Worker Bill of Rights reflects our core belief: If you work full-time in Louisville, you should be able to afford to live in Louisville.

This isn’t just about wages – it’s about dignity, fairness, and building a Louisville where every worker can thrive.

Version 1.0 | November 2025