Councilwoman Latisha Johnson
First-term Councilwoman Latisha Johnson speaks Wednesday afternoon alongside Detroit's chief operating officer, Hakim Berry, and Council President Mary Sheffield. (Photo: City of Detroit)
Councilwoman Latisha Johnson is proposing that all Detroit government workers earn a minimum of $15 an hour, starting in July.
"The City of Detroit is one of the largest employers in Southeast Michigan, and how it treats its employees has a significant impact on families and the local economy,” Johnson said in a statement. “Better wages will uplift families, enable the city to attract and retain better workers, and stimulate the local economy. It’s a win for us all. That’s why I am honored that Mayor Duggan asked me to sponsor the $15 minimum wage for City of Detroit employees."
During the pandemic, $15 an hour -- often referred to as a "living wage" -- became a reality for an increasing number of private sector employees, including the fast food industry.
Many city workers already earn more than $15 an hour. The proposal is likely to impact about 270 employees in 34 positions.
"The city is in a position where we can sustain the additional cost of making sure every employee of the city of Detroit is earning a living wage from the moment they are hired," Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement.
Johnson, elected last November, sponsors a resolution requiring a change to the City’s Master Pay Schedule, which sets the range for all general fund city positions. The city also would need to amend collective bargaining agreements for unionized workers.
The District 4 councilwoman, who says she comes from "very humble beginnings," added at a media briefing: "Given the support of the mayor, we have a tremendous opportunity to fine-tune the details and make sure that we can sustain these wages moving forward."
Jobs where raises are expected include DDOT, Detroit Police nonemergency phone operators, recreation and play leaders, administrative staff, traffic control officers, parking attendants and lifeguards.
