Cleanup Crews At RNC Paid Below Minimum Wage

Submitted by Jazmine

Some workers say they weren’t getting a fair shake while working the RNC.

Carolyn Walker said she has been cleaning the convention center for 13 years. She had been making $8 per hour until a few years ago, when the cleaning contract went to another company, Cleanevent USA. The new company meant a new, downsized paycheck. She’s now making minimum wage — $7.67 per hour. But that wasn’t the only hit to her wallet.

Walker said the company charges her $6 per week for uniforms. “It stinks to tell you the truth,” she said. “We work very hard.” It effectively means she’s making less than Florida’s minimum wage.

Mike Sheehan, the company’s regional manager, agrees the uniform charge isn’t fair. “It’s better to just issue them and allow them to purchase extra shirts at cost. That’s where I’m heading now.”

By: jazmine