Post Reports
Why some disabled workers make $1 an hour
Sep 3, 2024
Jaime Muniz, a dedicated worker at a disability program for 11 years, shares his struggles earning just $1.28 per hour. Joining him is Amanda Morris, a disabilities reporter, who unveils the harsh realities of subminimum wage laws that affect many like Muniz. They discuss how these programs, while intended to prepare workers for better jobs, often fail to deliver meaningful opportunities. The conversation also touches on the pressing need for accountability and the future of the controversial 14C wage program.
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Quick takeaways
- Many disabled workers, like Jaime Muniz, earn subminimum wages below $1.50 per hour, raising concerns about their financial independence and future opportunities.
- The 14C program, allowing employers to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage, faces growing scrutiny for its effectiveness and oversight in providing meaningful job skills.
Deep dives
Overview of Employment Facilities for People with Disabilities
Employment facilities specifically designed for people with disabilities, including Pathways to Independence, focus on providing job opportunities and skill development. Workers at these facilities engage in tasks like assembling products, packaging items, and performing menial tasks that are often repetitive. Although these workplaces are designed to offer some form of employment, the workers typically receive subminimum wages, often as low as $1 or $2 an hour. This system, rooted in historical legislation from the Great Depression, allows employers to pay disabled workers less than the national minimum wage, under the premise that it is better to work for lower pay than not work at all.
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