21 Jun Letter from CEO David Lifsey

On Friday, June 21, 2013, NBC News reported on the use of Special Minimum Wage Certificates by some other Goodwill agencies.  The certificate is a portion of the Fair Labor Standards Acts (FLSA), which allows employers to pay a rate less than minimum wage to employees whose disability significantly impairs their productivity. While some Goodwills utilize this employment tool, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee does not. In fact, all of our more than 2,000 employees are paid more than minimum wage.

Each Goodwill Industries is a separate, locally chartered not-for-profit corporation governed by its own board of directors, which means policies and procedures vary at each agency.

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. is committed to paying our employees fairly according to their ability to work and our ability to pay, and we pay all of our employees above the minimum wage.  Our mission is to provide employment and training for people who have a disability or who otherwise have difficulty finding and keeping a job.  Our services to those we are privileged to serve are provided, for the most part, free of charge.

Our Goodwill takes seriously the trust our many donors of clothing and household goods place in us to use those donations in support of our mission.  We are grateful for that support and we are committed to maintaining accountability to its donors, employees, and community members.  You may visit our website to learn how the company uses its revenue and to better understand the programs and services we provide.

If you have any questions, please contact us.