Highland Lake Inn & Resort was recognized as a Certified Living Wage employer by Just Economics, an advocacy organization in Western North Carolina. This certification is awarded to companies that surpass the federal minimum wage to pay their employees a fair “living wage” that takes into account the resources necessary to support themselves and their families.
“We have a tremendous team here at Highland Lake Inn & Resort” says owner Jack Grup. “As a company, we want to provide our staff with more than just the minimum requirement. We are grateful for our employees and at the end of the day, we want to make sure they are receiving a compensation that allows them to succeed.”
The federal minimum wage was enacted through the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, to eliminate “labor conditions detrimental to the maintenance of the minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency and general well-being of workers.” Despite these intentions, the federal minimum wage has failed to keep up with the rising cost of living and has instead become a wage that keeps too many working people in poverty.
A worker who is paid the minimum wage of $7.25/hour, or any wage below a living wage, cannot afford basic necessities without assistance. The living wage for a single individual living in this area of Western North Carolina is $11.10/hour with health insurance provided by the employer. Highland Lake Inn & Resort provides health insurance to employees and also exceeds the living wage by paying all employees a minimum rate of $11.50/hour.
For more information about Just Economics and the Living Wage Certification, visit their website at https://justeconomicswnc.org.