Kara Ramos
Staff Writer
klpardun@valdosta.edu

Beginning July 24, 2008, the federal minimum wage will increase from $5.85 per hour to $6.55 per hour.

According to Machelle Powell, VSU payroll manager, this second implementation will be effective at VSU July 12, 2008.

While minimum wage is increasing, students working on campus could be affected, according to Powell.

“Departments may consider decreasing the number of hours worked per student employee and/or reduce the number of student employees hired in order to fund the increase,” Powell said.

However, many people feel that the increase is long overdue.

“Our employees deserve a fair wage and VSU dining services supports the U.S. Department of Labor and this initiative,” Rich Yokeley, general manager of campus dining, said.

Bethanie Brogdon, director of university stores, said, “Certainly with consideration of the increase in the cost of living, minimum wage has been neglected regarding increases for a long time. This is true especially for students and staff who have worked in positions for longer periods of time without a pay increase. These employees become specialized in various areas making them an integral part of various operations.”

However, the minimum wage increase could affect VSU departments.

According to Reynaldo Martinez Jr., professor and head for the department of adult and career education, many students are hired to work as assistants in the computer lab. The department will have to try and get more funds for student technology fees in order to pay the hourly increase.

“Should those fees not be available, then we may have to reduce the number of hours our computer labs are open for general use,” Dr. Martinez Jr. said.

Dr. L. Wayne Plumly Jr., head for the department of marketing and economics, said, “Other wages will go up to keep the differentials the same. Prices will go up to reflect the increase. Only education and training will truly assist those with minimum wage jobs.”

Adam Barber, a junior computer science major, thinks that while the increase may not be much, it is well deserved. However, he also thinks that the increase in minimum wage will raise taxes and the price of living.

“Some people are forced [into] those jobs due to personal decisions,” Barber said. “Although that may be their own fault, no one should try to live on such a small income.”

Yokeley said, “This increase will affect the entire business sector and dining services with additional expenses. Our staff will be compensated for their hard work and those that are having rate increases are excited about the change.”

The third implementation of $7.25 per hour will be effective July 24, 2009.