Federally Contracted Low-Wage Workers Launch "Good Jobs Nation"

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Federally Contracted Low-Wage Workers Launch (Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Union Station rang with chants of “Si se puede!” and “Minimum wage now!” yesterday as low-wage workers from across the country employed under federal contracts, loans and leases joined Members of Congress, faith leaders and community groups to launch Good Jobs Nation, a new organization of low-wage workers organizing for a living wage and a voice on the job. “I have worked as a janitor in Union Station for 21 years, but I still only make $8.75 an hour,” said Lucila Ramirez. "Workers can't live off what contractors pay us," said National Zoo Worker Roxanne Mimms (left). “I can barely pay the mortgage,” said Ramirez, “I have never asked for government assistance, but today, I am asking President Obama to make sure workers on federal property are paid a living wage.” A hidden army of nearly two million low-wage workers like Ramirez are employed by private businesses serving the American public, working in the food courts at government buildings like Union Station and the Ronald Reagan Building, greeting visitors and selling memorabilia at the Smithsonian museums, driving trucks hauling federally-owned loads and making military uniforms for American troops. The new organizing effort – supported by a coalition of clergy and community groups that includes Empower DC, OurDC and Jobs with Justice -- comes just weeks after strikes and actions in New York City, Chicago and other cities by low-wage workers at fast food and retail chains. Workers have received support from congressional leaders including DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN-5) and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-7), who announced an upcoming Congressional hearing to investigate and improve working conditions for the nation’s largest low-wage workforce. "As members of Congress," said Norton, "our job is to shine flood lights so brightly that the federal government can no longer ignore these workers in plain sight.” Click here for a brief highlight video of Wednesday’s launch. - photo (top right) by Chris Garlock; (bottom left) from video

 

Powered by Orchid Suites
Orchid ver. 4.7.6.