The administration has knowingly misled the Northwestern community over the issue of a living wage. A little over one week ago, The Daily published a story about the living wage rally (“Supporters ‘rally, rant and rage,’ Feb. 25), juxtaposing two facts in a blurb alongside the article: 1. There are approximately 50 NU workers who are paid less than $13.23 per hour, and 2. The total additional cost to the University is estimated to be approximately $3.3 to $4 million annually.

Today, the Northwestern News Center went live with a list of frequently asked questions about the Living Wage Campaign using the same figures. Both statements come from University spokesman Al Cubbage’s media fact sheet and are intentionally misleading.

Although both true statements, the figures cited by Cubbage (and used by The Daily and Northwestern Web site) include different numbers of workers. Roughly one percent of workers who are directly contracted by NU are paid below $13.23 per hour; however, the annual cost cited to implement a living wage includes both those contracted directly and sub-contracted by NU.

The administration cannot have it both ways. If the administration is going to claim a cost of $3.3 to $4 million, then this means the University is taking responsibility for all of its workers, both those directly employed and sub-contracted (University President Morton O. Schapiro has already gone on record stating all workers, both direct and sub-contracted labor, are his responsibility). Thus, the number of employees not making a living wage rises to near 90 percent of University contracted workers, according to local union representatives.

NU deserves a fair debate on this issue, especially when something so important is at stake—the fair treatment of NU community members, our workers.

Michael Alperin
SESP junior
Coordinator, Living Wage Campaign
Education co-chair, Northwestern Community Development Corps