Melwood Interviewed on Eliminating 14(c)

Our efforts to address the pay disparities our staff experienced resulting from Section 14(c) of the Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act were realized this month. A number of our employees were moved to the appropriate Wage Determination Rate for their job as opposed to a productivity-based wage. These efforts were put in place to further support our Vision of a world where people with differing abilities are fully included.

Josh Magness, a reporter from the Capital News Service, recently interviewed, Cari DeSantis, President and CEO, to learn more about our decision. During the interview, Cari provided Mr. Magness with background on the Fair Labor Standards Act and Melwood’s reasons for eliminating the certificate. In follow up to the interview, Cari invited Josh to visit our campus so he could learn first hand how eliminating Section 14(c) has impacted our workforce. 

The following week Mr. Magness met with three of Melwood’s custodial workers: Brian Beckham (photographed on the left conducting a mock time study for Josh Magness), Keisha Crenshaw and Kenneth Simon. During their discussion, Mr. Magness briefly engaged each employee and inquired about their day-to-day activities, their thoughts on working for Melwood, and struggles they may have experienced prior to Melwood’s elimination of time studies. Though all three employees shared their appreciation for Melwood, they also communicated the level of anxiety they felt when they knew they had to take the performance test that would determine their wage rate. Each shared their concerns and reflected upon the uncertainties they felt about having their work compared with others holding the same position. As the interviews concluded, it was apparent to Mr. Magness that all three employees were happy with Melwood’s decision to no longer conduct the time studies, or pay them based on the results. Darrell Holly, a Vocational Support Case Manager, also expressed his appreciation by stating, “I believe the elimination of the 14c certificate was in the best interest of the people we serve. It allowed individuals with more severe differing abilities the ability to still earn an equal pay rate. Individuals can now be assured that their wages will not be changed based on a single performance. It has brought a smile to the faces that matter most… our employees.”

Capital News Service is a news organization run by the University of Maryland’s School of Journalism. For over 20 years, CNS has delivered breaking news and award winning investigative reports to high profile news publications throughout the Greater Washington DC area. CNS publicizes approximately 300 stories per quarter.