Archive: Business & Technology

Alternatives Federal Credit Union, which conducts the bi-annual living-wage study in Tompkins County, has hired Ithaca-based ASI Renovations, a certified Living Wage Employer, to renovate a portion of its office facilities.

ASI Renovations was certified as a Living Wage Employer in 2009. It was awarded the AFCU contract through a competitive bidding process. The project began on April 26, 2010, and is scheduled to be completed on May 14, 2010.

Alternatives Federal Credit Union conducted its first Living Wage Study in 1994, to address internal staff concerns about compensation levels, and what it took to support a person above the poverty level. It updates the study and publicly releases the results every two years.

The Living Wage Employer Certification program was instituted by the Tompkins County Workers Rights Center to recognize those employers who pay employees a rate at or above the living wage, as established by the bi-annual Alternatives Federal Credit Union study.

ASI President and CEO Herbert Dwyer says, "It’s an honor for us to be chosen by AFCU for this project since it’s the organization that originated the living-wage concept in Tompkins County. A livable wage is more than just a concept; it’s a way for every organization to create quality products/services through quality workers. It’s an attitude that transcends traditional business models. We’re honored to participate in the program, and to be chosen by AFCU for this renovation project."

Tristam Coffin, the CEO of Alternatives Federal Credit Union says, "The living wage standards attract the best quality people available. ASI Renovations recognizes this through its decision to employ the living wage standard. We believe in a certain quality of work that comes from attracting quality people who are paid a living wage, and we’re proud to support it in a local business."

According to the Tompkins County Workers Center website, there are currently 67 living wage employers in the County. To become certified, employers such as ASI Renovations must meet various criteria including, but not limited to, a pay rate of at lest $11.11/hour to all regular full and part-time employees, offer health insurance and pay at least 50% of the premium cost to all employees averaging 30 or more hours/week (or pay them a minimum of $12.11/hour), and they must match wages with any changes in the Tompkins County Living Wage that might occur periodically.

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