'You can't survive on $5.59 an hour'

EUGENE, Ore. - Jeremy Zerger goes to his job at Goodwill four hours a day.

"I like helping the co-workers," Zerger said.

The 27-year-old Goodwill employee is autistic and works through the long-term services program.

"I'm doing my best like everyone else because I work pretty hard," Zerger said.

Zerger’s grandmother said she became frustrated when her grandson wasn’t brining home as much in pay.

"Employees are not treated like they should be," said Debbie Jensen, Zerger's grandmother.

Jensen said her grandson started out making minimum wage.

After 7 years, the disabled employee is currently making $5.59 an hour after he failed a productivity test that goodwill gives twice a year to their employees.

"You can't survive on $5.59 an hour," Jensen said.

According to Fair Labor Standards Act Section 14 (c), workers with disabilities can make less than minimum wage.

"We conduct time studies to determine their wage," said Rufina Saiz, assistant to the President at Goodwill.

Disabled employees at Goodwill are tested on 5 tasks. Then the workers are paid a weighted average of their productivity.

Thus disabled employees wages can fluctuate every six months.

Goodwill said they provide great opportunities for disabled folks through their Long Term Services Program.

"That gives them pride in who they are and allows them to earn a pay check," Saiz said.

Jensen feels her grandson's paycheck is being cut short.

"These people are disabled and that's the reason why they're working there and they shouldn't be punished for not being able to pass a test," Jensen said.

Goodwill employs 126 individuals with disabilities in Lane and South Coast Counties.