A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation requiring all big box retailers to pay their workers a prevailing wage.

WHEREAS, big box discount retailers often pay their employees low wages and offer limited benefits; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago recently enacted an ordinance requiring retailers with 90,000 square feet of interior space or more to pay employees at least $10 an hour in salary, along with a benefits package of at least $3 an hour; and

WHEREAS, According to a recent study published in Social Science Quarterly, an estimated 20,000 families have fallen below the official poverty line as a result of Wal-Mart's expansion alone; and

WHEREAS, the growing suburban areas of Nashville have caused a number of big box retailers to build new stores in the area or expand existing stores; and

WHEREAS, Chicago's home rule provisions under Illinois law are much broader than the Metropolitan Government's authority under Tennessee law; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee require all big box retailers to pay a prevailing wage to their employees to allow the workers to improve their economic condition and standard of living.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation requiring all big box retailers to pay their workers a prevailing wage.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel