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By Hans Johnson
Living-Wage Primer
The wave of student and faculty protests against the production of university sportswear under sweatshop conditions has shone a spotlight on pay and working conditions at many overseas locations. But a Boston-based group called United for a Fair Economy is asking student and faculty labor activists to aim the beam a little closer to home. In its handbook, Campus Living Wage Manual, the group highlights tactics for students and faculty to adopt in working with college and university employees to boost the pay of campus workers, many of whom are still being compensated at the national hourly minimum of $5.15. Drawing from recent economic data, the manual cites targets of $7.49 to $10.75 for campus wage policies and municipal living-wage ordinances. The publication costs $5 and is available by calling 877-JOIN-UFE or online at www.stw.org.
Incentives for Faculty Home Buyers
Expanding on a revitalization tool already employed successfully by the Universities of Maryland and Pennsylvania, the state of New Jersey has designated $2.5 million to encourage faculty and staff at public colleges and universities to purchase or fix up homes in six cities. The incentive program provides $10,000 in down-payment assistance to prospective home buyers. In addition, it earmarks $5,000 for exterior home improvements by homeowners in certain neighborhoods of Jersey City, Newark, New Brunswick, Trenton, Camden, and Vineland. For more information, call Jerry Keelen of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency at 609-278-7553 or write to jkeelen@njhmfa.state.nj.us.
Vocal Support for Women Songwriters
A faculty member from Virginia is seeking greater recognition for women songwriters of the past and present by taking her cause on the road. Soprano Laura Mann, a professor of voice at George Mason University and a veteran operatic performer, has crafted a concert that combines songs by post-Renaissance European women composers and living American women composers, including Tony Award winner Lucy Simon. Her program has proved especially popular with academic audiences. For more information, write to lmann1@gmu.edu.
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