The living wage is living large in a new poll.
Three-quarters of voters questioned by Quinnipiac University pollsters said they support requiring business that receive city subsidies to pay workers at least $10 an hour with benefits, or $11.50 without the benefits. That’s nearly 50 percent more than the federally-mandated minimum wage of $7.25.
The 74-19 percent outcome in favor of the higher wage provides a boost to supporters trying to push through legislation in the City Council enacting the new pay floor.
Even Republicans — by a 56-39 percent margin — were on board.
“True to its image as a liberal town, New York gives big support to the City Council plan to require a “Living Wage” by companies that do business with the city. Does the government have an obligation to mandate a living wage? Overwhelmingly, voters say yes,” said pollster Maurice Carroll.
A majority of voters, 56 percent, also didn’t buy Mayor Bloomberg’s argument that higher mandated wages would make New York less competitive and drive out businesses. Thirty-six percent sided with the mayor.
Voters split on Bloomberg’s handling of the Occupy Wall Street protest, with 42 percent approving his handling of the Zuccotti Park occupation and 51 percent disapporving.
Those weren’t especailly bad numbers considering that 68 percent of voters said they agreed with the views of the protestors.
The poll of 1,242 registered voters was conducted Dec. 7-12.