In March 2008, JE launched this program, which identifies and promotes employers in Asheville that pay a Living Wage. The LW Certification Program aims to reward existing Living Wage businesses in our community, to encourage non-living wage compliant employers to increase their workers’ wages, and to connect consumers to socially responsible employers.

Living Wage Certification also helps bolster community dialog and consciousness around the living wage issue, as we have seen on other issues such as organic food and environmental sustainability.

Criteria for Certification

1. Endorse the Living Wage concept.
2. Pay at least the current Asheville/Buncombe Living Wage to all regular full- and part-time employees.
3. A Certified employer may pay a wage that is less than the living wage to part-time employees who are under 18 years old; to employees who are in a probationary period or hired temporarily (limited to 3 months); and to employees and volunteers paid by others.
4. A certified employer may use benefits that are provided to employees, such as health insurance, tips, union membership, pensions, discounts, generous leave policies, etc., as an offset to the wage criteria.
5. An employer may be rejected for certification or have its certification revoked where there are known violations of workers’ rights guaranteed by NC and Federal law.

Benefits of Certification

- “Living Wage Certified” emblem for display at your place of business/office.

- Free publicity through annual advertisements in the Asheville Citizen Times, Mountain Express, or other media outlets.

- Free promotion of your business/organization through the Just Economics member mailing list, printed materials, and website.

- Special profile of your business/organization on the Just Economics website.

- Participation in high-profile press conferences and organizational events aimed at promoting the Living Wage Employer Certification Program and its member businesses/organizations.

- Being part of a growing network of local businesses and organizations dedicated to building a stronger, more sustainable, and just economy and community in Asheville.

How to Get Certified

1. Endorse the living wage concept
2. Pay all workers at least the current Asheville-Buncombe Living Wage
3. Fill out the Enrollment Form

Certification Enrollment Materials

Living Wage Certification Brochure and Enrollment Form

2008 Asheville-Buncombe Living Wage Brochure

Living Wage Certified Employers