Workers cry out for higher minimum wage

[umbertino]

by: John Wojcik & Mark Gruenberg

July 27 2012

From Pittsburgh to Peoria to Portland and from Washington to Detroit, workers came out this week to demand a hike in the federal minimum wage.

The minimum wage campaign, stepped up last week by the Service Employees and Jobs With Justice - with the AFL-CIO and other unions joining in - intends to win three 85 cent increases in the current $7.25 hourly federal minimum for this year and the next two years and then regular increases indexed to inflation. There has not been any increase in the minimum wage since 2006.

Thousands of people attended the rallies July 24 at 34 locations across the country combined. Speakers included local politicians in Toledo, Ohio, and minimum wage workers in many cities. Clergy and union leaders also joined in, with particularly pointed comments coming from Bob Soutier, president of the St. Louis Central Labor Council.

After voicing labor's strong support for the increase, Soutier noted Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., backs the hike. But all three Republicans vying to oppose her this fall opposed increasing the minimum wage. The moderator in a republican primary debate asked the three GOP candidates to name the federal minimum wage figure - and they couldn't.

The four Chicago rallies, one of which was a humorous street theater in front of a Wal-Mart just west of the Loop, were later combined into one mass march that drew more than 1,000 people. The crowd descended on the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, demanding its members - many of whom employ minimum-wage workers - support the minimum wage increase.

The Chicagoans had a political angle, too: They began with a "trolley tour" of Dunkin Donuts shops, emphasizing Bain Capital's exploitation of its minimum-wage workers. Presumed GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney owned and ran Bain.

Elsewhere, including Kansas City, Mo., Peoria, Ill., and Minneapolis, advocates marched to local offices of Republican lawmakers - Sen. Roy Blunt and Reps. Bobby Schilling and John Kline, respectively -- to demand they back the minimum wage hike. Besides SEIU and Jobs With Justice, unionists at the rallies came from the UAW, the Teamsters, Workers United, the Teachers, and the Steelworkers, among others.

At Kline's office, more than 50 demonstrators appeared, some holding signs challenging the lawmaker - who chairs the House Education and the Workforce Committee - to live on the minimum wage, which works out to $290 a week.

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., the top Democrat on Kline's GOP-run panel, and

Senate Labor Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, have introduced the minimum wage hike bill, but it's expected to go nowhere in this Congress. That didn't stop the advocates.

"One hundred fifty people turned out in 106-degree heat" for the St. Louis march said Lara Granich, director of Missouri Jobs With Justice, who helped put together the demonstration there. "That's where Bob Soutier called out the GOP," she added.

That's also where minimum wage restaurant worker Joe Wicks told the crowd that earning the minimum at a chain restaurant often meant he had to "choose between

gas for my car and groceries for my family." He also pointed out that restaurant workers survive on the "tipped minimum wage." That's $2.13 an hour in almost all states - Missouri, at $3.63 is an exception - and it hasn't been raised in 20 years.

"The economy is getting worse, and people need help," said Dezirai Jones, a Savage, Minn., resident who works for minimum wage at a local restaurant. Rep. Kline "doesn't know what it's like to make minimum wage. Even if he tried he would find it hard and a real eye-opener," Workday Minnesota reported.

"Minimum wage is basically impossible to live off of," added Mallory Curran of Lakeville, Minn., a single mother who is separated from her husband but unable to afford a divorce.

In Cleveland, a minimum wage cable TV installer told how must work 20 hours a week of overtime to pay the rent and keep food on his family's table - and that's at Ohio's higher minimum of $7.70 hourly.

"We talked about how we should keep the pressure on" Congress even if it doesn't raise the minimum this year, said Cathy Kaufmann of SEIU1199Ohio Hospital and Health Care Workers, who helped organize events in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Added Cleveland organizer Anthony Caldwell: "The speakers seemed to be relatively optimistic" about the chances of raising the minimum wage this year.

"It isn't a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It's a non-partisan issue," he said. "It's kind of a no-brainer. The wealthiest have seen their wages go up again" ever since the official end of the Great Recession, Caldwell added. "But everybody else is stagnant. Raising the minimum wage will spur growth in our communities."

A minimum wage worker who puts in 40 hours a week barely takes home $15,000 a year, while the average CEO of a Fortune 500 company earns more than twice that in a single day.

According to the National Employment Law Project there is not a single state in the nation where a full-time minimum wage worker could afford a two-bedroom apartment.

http://www.peoplesworld.org/workers-cry-out-for-higher-minimum-wage/

[jonjon]

The minimum wage worker should be directing his energy toward getting one of those Fortune 500 CEO jobs.

Problem solved.

[wpsmit]

why don't some of those mighty Unions cut back on some of their salary and perks and donate to the cause?

[Redwizard]

Minimum wage was just raised in 2009. First they complain they dont have a job, now they dont make enough. Union members can always give up some of there money. Figured this is being pushed by the Dems. Maybe they should give the people on minimum wage a raise, then business's that are barely making can let another 10-15% employees go.

[PD41]

LOL, Mo Money.

Kids now a days don't know what being poor is.

Parents spend too much too.

[kliklok00]

My first job after getting out of the Marines in 1978 paid $7.00 per hour in Houston, TX. As a single guy, I could actually live on this as long as I put in 40 hours or more (which I did). Sure couldn't do it today...one reason I became a business owner. I cannot fathom someone trying to live on minimum wage, but there is something to be said about keeping it low...it should motivate one to move up in the world of work.

[cris]

But, but, but....how can they get Cell Phones, I-Pads, Flat Screen TV's,

Internet Service, New Rims for the overpriced Car, the Best Clothing,

New Sneakers, and go drinking every weekend on just 7.25 an hour?

Oh, thats right...you dont, you live within your friggin means....You sacrifice,

work your friggin butt off to get educated in your field to qualify for a better

Job & Salary.

I did it....3.25 salary to begin......and now I set my own price.

[GIDad]

"A law might be made to raise their wages; but if our manufacturers are too dear, they might not vend abroad."

Benjamin Franklin, 1768...timeless topic, eh?

[Redwizard]

My first job after getting out of the Marines in 1978 paid $7.00 per hour in Houston, TX. As a single guy, I could actually live on this as long as I put in 40 hours or more (which I did). Sure couldn't do it today...one reason I became a business owner. I cannot fathom someone trying to live on minimum wage, but there is something to be said about keeping it low...it should motivate one to move up in the world of work.

In 1978 I was doing electrical work in Houston and minimum wage was $2.30. Worked 60+ hrs a week.

But, but, but....how can they get Cell Phones, I-Pads, Flat Screen TV's,

Internet Service, New Rims for the overpriced Car, the Best Clothing,

New Sneakers, and go drinking every weekend on just 7.25 an hour?

Oh, thats right...you dont, you live within your friggin means....You sacrifice,

work your friggin butt off to get educated in your field to qualify for a better

Job & Salary.

Cris, your right, I bet everyone that is complaining has a cell phone. We didnt grow up with a cell phone, we didnt have to have bottled water, Starbucks coffee etc....

[jonjon]

In 1970 I was making $1.65 an hour, minimum wage was $1.30 and I was able to buy a car, buy a house, get married and start having my family. I was able to pay all my bills and keep my credit rating good. I wasn’t given anything by anybody and have owned my own business for the past 20 years. Who in this country is working for minimum wage, the illegal aliens in Texas wont even rake the leaves up in your yard for less than $10 or $12 dollars an hour. The spoiled American children entering the workforce aren’t willing to do anything less than being your administrative assistant or better.

[Maggie123]

Well I used babysit for .35 cents an hour and did the dishes and vacumed.

So What? I"ll bet I could have bought the same then with 3 hours of babysitting that a worker today could buy for one hour of min wage.

It's nice that you all worked your way up, thats real nice. What if you got layed off and there were no openings in your field. Or what if your business went under. Then what would you say about min wage jobs. Cell phones, Games have nothing to do with rent and food. You are talking about two different worlds. Just try and put your foot in their world for one minute and I'll bet you wouldn't want to stay there. Go ahead cris call me a lib... this is an issue that is affecting a lot of hard working people, it's not about politics. It's about hard working Americans, that deserve at least half a chance of survival at the bottom of the totem pole.

[jonjon]

Well I used babysit for .35 cents an hour and did the dishes and vacumed.

What if you got layed off and there were no openings in your field. Or what if your business went under. Then what would you say about min wage jobs.

I would say we need to get the libs out of office because they have started shutting down the capitalist society that made this a great country in the first place.

[easyrider]

Well I used babysit for .35 cents an hour and did the dishes and vacumed.

So What? I"ll bet I could have bought the same then with 3 hours of babysitting that a worker today could buy for one hour of min wage.

It's nice that you all worked your way up, thats real nice. What if you got layed off and there were no openings in your field. Or what if your business went under. Then what would you say about min wage jobs. Cell phones, Games have nothing to do with rent and food. You are talking about two different worlds. Just try and put your foot in their world for one minute and I'll bet you wouldn't want to stay there. Go ahead cris call me a lib... this is an issue that is affecting a lot of hard working people, it's not about politics. It's about hard working Americans, that deserve at least half a chance of survival at the bottom of the totem pole.

you are right maggie and i have spoken with my parents about this many times. Times were a lot different back then. The American dream was still alive in that time, now well its an American nightmare. Problem now adays is nobody can even afford to retire so they have to stay at their jobs longer which dont open jobs for the younger people trying to get a foot in the door.

Edited July 28, 2012 by easyrider

[cris]

"A law might be made to raise their wages; but if our manufacturers are too dear, they might not vend abroad."

Benjamin Franklin, 1768...timeless topic, eh?

Nice...Hadnt seen that one before....Here's another I've heard

Competition is the disciplinarian of the market economy...not sure who Im quoting though

[nstoolman1]

Who will pay for this increase?

The employer will pass it to the consumer.

Some of you have solutions that sound like socialism. Take from someone to give to someone.

I also worked as a young man for $1.65 an hour. Paid for my car,gas and insurance.

I later found a better job.

Stop whining, cut expenses, stop living beyond your means.

[cris]

Well I used babysit for .35 cents an hour and did the dishes and vacumed.

So What? I"ll bet I could have bought the same then with 3 hours of babysitting that a worker today could buy for one hour of min wage.

It's nice that you all worked your way up, thats real nice. What if you got layed off and there were no openings in your field. Or what if your business went under. Then what would you say about min wage jobs. Cell phones, Games have nothing to do with rent and food. You are talking about two different worlds. Just try and put your foot in their world for one minute and I'll bet you wouldn't want to stay there. Go ahead cris call me a lib... this is an issue that is affecting a lot of hard working people, it's not about politics. It's about hard working Americans, that deserve at least half a chance of survival at the bottom of the totem pole.

Well....some can have more money, but others will be laid off.

Theres only so much money to go around and still stay competitive.

Who gets to choose the ones laid off....you?

Most here have stories of 'starting' at minimum wage....people arent

supposed to stay there....They are supposed to learn their

trade to the best of their ability, to make more money, for hard work &

competence.

If they cant do that, well the world still needs hamburger flippers.

[jonjon]

There is no doubt in my mind that anyone that goes into any business still operating in this country with an attitude of doing the best job possible for that business and tries to help that company make money and help its’ customers save money will do good and work their way up in a hurry. We have a workforce that is concerned that they have to do all the work and the company is making all the money and an attitude like that is not even worth minimum wage to our companies. The liberals are putting these attitudes on the workforce like chains of bondage with the unions’ demands and the government’s legislative protectionism. Switch your thinking to being of service to an employer instead being a dependent and your whole life will change. You wont be crying about the minimum wage when you become worth your salary.

[Maggie123]

you are right maggie and i have spoken with my parents about this many times. Times were a lot different back then. The American dream was still alive in that time, now well its an American nightmare. Problem now adays is nobody can even afford to retire so they have to stay at their jobs longer which dont open jobs for the younger people trying to get a foot in the door.

Thank You Easy I'm glad that you really talk with your parents. It's clear that you listen and learn from them. You are a good "kiddo" for doing that. I say that with much respect towards you.

Times were certainly different back then.

I grew a little older and got my first job. It paid the rent. I was never hungry.

Now we have so many children in our own country that Are hungry. Yes you could call it the "American Nightmare."

I know that there would not have been a chance that a kiddo would have gone hungry in my humble little neighborhood, we had wonderful "koolaide moms". My girlfriend Nancy and I would go to the elderly lady's house everyday because she always had The "Best" Cookies, we loved her.

Sadly... these days many people don't even know the person who lives next door, let alone care about their "noisy" kids. I will admit that I was one of those people once, not any more.

Where have our hearts gone? Pure Survival of the Fittest?

Easy, I hadn't even thought about what your folks were saying, about the people that usually retired by 60, can't anymore. That does change the whole picture for the young kids like you. Your folks are right on!

Hugs, Maggie

[Maggie123]

Well....some can have more money, but others will be laid off.

Theres only so much money to go around and still stay competitive.

Who gets to choose the ones laid off....you?

Most here have stories of 'starting' at minimum wage....people arent

supposed to stay there....They are supposed to learn their

trade to the best of their ability, to make more money, for hard work &

competence.

If they cant do that, well the world still needs hamburger flippers.

See cris you come from a place of scarcity... I don't.

There is plenty to go around for anyone willing to work.

We really don't want to punish those who are doing their level best, do we?

I am saying the "hamburger flippers" that feed you deserve a home and food of their own. Ok? Can they Live on the wage they are getting is the question here.

[jonjon]

The libs on here that claim life should be euphoric and everyone is getting screwed by industry are producing the psychological warfare of the socialist movement to enslave the entire country.

When you are dependent on the government you will be controlled by the government.

America would be better off if these libs had moved to China instead of our industries and the libs wouldn’t have to bring down the system to have what they wanted because it is already in place there.

Train yourself to be dependent on the world and you will slip deeper into poverty and despair.

Force the world around you to be dependent on you and it will be your oyster. You will be successful and your life will have true meaning and happiness.

For the lying doom and gloom of things are so much worse now than ever before: check out this job application.

[Redwizard]

I am saying the "hamburger flippers" that feed you deserve a home and food of their own. Ok? Can they Live on the wage they are getting is the question here.

Well Maggie, why dont we just give them a house and food, MMM sounds like a Dem idea. Take from some one and give to another. If you cant afford it, then you cant have it, plain and simple. The older generation learned how to work, do without, make ends meet. The younger generation (give me generation) wants everything given to them. They want to have an office job, sitting behind a computer in the A/C with there Starbucks ($10.00) coffee sitting next to there Iphone.

The older generations did what they had to to make it.

[dinar_stud]

Republican Theodore Roosevelt said, "The monetary equivalent of a living wage varies according to local conditions, but must include enough to secure the elements of a normal standard of living--a standard high enough to make morality possible, to provide for education and recreation, to care for immature members of the family, to maintain the family during periods of sickness, and to permit of reasonable saving for old age." http://www.ssa.gov/history/trspeech.html.

Is there anyplace in this great country where $10 an hour comes close to meeting Mr. Roosevelt's definition of a living wage? It is truly a shame that taxpayers are forced to pay for a social safety net not only for those unable to work but for those who must work for slave wages.

Shame on you republicans who have besmirched the legacy of the likes of.

Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.

[cris]

Well....Its my contention that 7.25 is plenty for a smart starter

If they are frugal and make the right decisions.

If 1160 per month isnt enough to get by....get yourself a couple of room

mates to share costs.

Ride a bicycle instead of a car. Get a Library card and read a book instead

of paying for TV and Internet.

Get a second job if you need to earn more money. I went to College full time,

and had a 40 hour per week minimum wage job.

By doing these things, anyone can get ahead and into a better paying field.

its what I did, so I know from experience it can be done.

The Recreation can come later....When you've earned your way into those

benefits.

[Redwizard]

Cris, I have to agree. Putting a burden on a strugling business sure wont help the employees. Learn to cut back!

[littlefeet]

See cris you come from a place of scarcity... I don't.

There is plenty to go around for anyone willing to work.

We really don't want to punish those who are doing their level best, do we?

I am saying the "hamburger flippers" that feed you deserve a home and food of their own. Ok? Can they Live on the wage they are getting is the question here.

NO....the hamburger flippers become good at their job and rise to Manager, then they buy houses. If they apply themselves, in their early twenties they are on their way