‘Living Wage’ Pledged for 75% of 2,000 Jobs

A coalition of labor and community activists said Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with a developer guaranteeing a “living wage” for at least 75% of the 2,000 jobs created by a major commercial complex next to the North Hollywood subway station.

The L.A. Alliance for a New Economy and the Valley Jobs Coalition said the agreement with developer J.H. Snyder Co. to pay at least $7.99 per hour also calls for a child-care center in the development.

“This agreement is a model for how community groups, labor and business can join together to make development agreements work for everyone,” said Jeff Farber, a member of the Valley Jobs Coalition.

The group had leverage over the development because the Snyder company is asking the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency to provide subsidies, including nearly half of new tax revenue to pay for improvements to the property.