ITHACA, N.Y. — Racker was recently certified as a “living wage employer” by the Tompkins County Workers’ Center. The living wage in Tompkins County is calculated bi-annually by Alternatives Federal Credit Union, and the current living wage is $15.32 per hour.
To qualify as a certified living-wage employer, Racker pays all its employees more than $15.32 an hour. The organization currently employs 735 people across its locations in Tompkins, Cortland, and Tioga counties.
Racker is an Ithaca–based not-for-profit that provides an array of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in its three-county area.
(Sponsored)
How To Seamlessly & Responsibly Integrate AI Into the Workplace
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics in today’s tech and office technology thought leadership. Everyone seems to be aware of the capabilities of AI, but some might
“Borderline” Overtime Exemptions Require Careful Analysis and Precautionary Measures
Q: We have an employee who we believe is properly classified as exempt from receiving overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) but it is a “borderline” case. In
In 2013, the organization developed a strategic plan that included providing a living wage for every employee. At that time, the Tompkins County living wage was $12.42.
Over the past nine years, Racker says it has implemented organizational changes that included efficiencies that moved money to staff wages, particularly for those providing direct care. The nonprofit increased advocacy efforts while working with local state legislators to increase reimbursement rates from contracted New York state agencies. The combination of those efforts allowed Racker to close a $3 million living-wage gap and move the compensation for more than 300 staff from below a living wage to above.
The Living Wage Certification Program provides a standard for local employers and recognizes those organizations that are able to achieve that baseline.
Racker had total revenue of $39.2 million in 2020, according to its 2020 annual report.
