DC COPE Report: "Phony" Community Group Takes Aim at DC Living Wage Bill

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)A mysterious “grass roots” group calling itself “Don’t Block DC Progress” has suddenly popped up to oppose the Large Retailer Accountability Act (LRAA), which will be discussed at a DC City Council hearing next week. The act, which would require “big-box” retailers like Walmart to pay workers the DC living wage ($12.45/hour) rather than the DC minimum wage ($8.25/hour), has strong support from the Respect DC coalition and local labor allies. “The phony group trying to block this bill is just a front for big business interests,” says Respect DC organizer Mike Wilson. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s funded by Walmart itself.” Respect DC and other labor allies plan to ‘pack the room’ at Wednesday’s hearing to show their support for good-paying jobs in the District. Activists who cannot attend the hearing are also showing their support for the LRAA with an online petition (click here for DC residents; click here for others) calling on the DC City Council to pass the bill.