Just Wage

In 2010, Bon Secours Virginia increased its minimum wage, what we call a just wage. The Just Wage in both Richmond and Hampton Roads is higher than the minimum wage, $7.25, which state law mandates. In Richmond, Bon Secours increased its Just Wage to $9.14 per hour.

Employees making $11 per hour or less are entitled to child-care subsidies at any of the health systems' three on-site award-winning Family Centers which offer spaces for about 500 children, infants through teens. The subsidy does require an application process and is dependent on available space.

What Just Wage Means

The term "just wage" is derived from Catholic social teachings. Though around for hundreds of years, Pope John Paul II defined just wage as where "employers and employees, acting as partners, establish a just wage as part of a package that includes other social benefits intended to safeguard and promote the lives and health of workers and their families."

In layman's terms, a just wage employs a more realistic minimum wage and provides educational structures to promote dignity and advancement among employees of all income and professional levels. In business terms, a just wage is simply good corporate citizenship.