City Council advances living wage discussion; refers ordinance back to committee
City Council paused action on a living wage ordinance raising part-time and seasonal employee pay to $18.75 hourly by FY2028. Councillor Kyle Alexander Davis, who introduced the measure crafted with the North Shore Labor Council, framed it as a phased $1 annual increase to address the
City Council · Meeting of March 26, 2026
SALEM — City Council paused action on a living wage ordinance raising part-time and seasonal employee pay to $18.75 hourly by FY2028. Councillor Kyle Alexander Davis, who introduced the measure crafted with the North Shore Labor Council, framed it as a phased $1 annual increase to address the cost-of-living crisis. Department heads including Harbormaster Bill McHugh and HR Director Lia Cammarata raised concerns that higher wages could reduce hiring of students and entry-level workers or force program cuts to absorb costs.
Council members requested detailed fiscal impact data and input from the mayor before proceeding. Councillor Andrew Smith moved to keep the ordinance in committee; the motion passed 5 to 0.
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Source: the City Council meeting of March 26, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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