Interpretive Statement

Enactment of this ordinance would require any large retail store in Lawrence Township, (defined as a retail business whose parent company grosses annual revenues of $1-billion or more, and occupying 100,000 square feet of indoor space or more), to pay a minimum living wage and benefits rate to employees working therein for five (5) hours or more per week as follows:  not less than an hourly wage of $11.08 and benefits totaling not less than $3.50 hourly at present, to be adjusted annually, effective January 1 of each succeeding year, by the Consumer Price Index for All Items, Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers”, as established by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Businesses, whose parent company grosses annual revenues under the $1-billion threshold, or those occupying less than 100,000 square feet, would be exempt.

This ordinance would take effect 120 days after enactment and provides for civil penalties of not less than $100 per violation.  Voters of Lawrence Township have authority to enact this ordinance pursuant to New Jersey state law:  N.J.S.A. 40:69A-184 et seq.

The intent and purpose of this ordinance is to ensure that large retailers pay their workers a living wage and provide adequate health and other benefits.  This will reduce the tax burden of Lawrence Township residents as fewer working families will be forced to obtain medical care and other social services from publicly funded programs.