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"It is unconscionable that corporate employers who are making massive profits refuse to provide fundamental working conditions to their employees." — James Clancy, NUPGE President
Ottawa (15 April 2015) — Around the world momentum has been building in support of raising minimum wages to ensure that all workers have a fighting chance to lift themselves out of poverty. On April 15, major rallies, walkouts and protests are planned around the world to support a $15 an hour wage and decent working conditions.
Fight for $15 campaigns aimed at raising wages for the lowest paid workers
This isn't the first time opposition to the current corporate low wage strategy has been demonstrated by workers. Following the economic collapse in 2008, and the rise of the Occupy Movement, workers in many industries, especially in the retail and food service sectors in the U.S. and Canada, stepped up a campaign — Fight for $15 — to increase wages for some of the lowest paid workers in society.
Research shows that using every standard measure of poverty, $15 an hour would bring workers’ wages above the poverty line. It would also benefit local businesses and support the local economy by putting money in workers’ pockets to spend in their community.
Minimum wage movement not slowing down
In the U.S., workers have been staging rallies and short walkouts to protest low wages for months. In Canada, people have been active raising the issue and running public campaigns to raise the minimum wage to combat growing income inequality.
Workers and allies have been fighting for not only an increase in the minimum wage but also decent hours, paid sick time, respect at work and rules that protect everyone.
"These are the basics that all workers should have the right to," says James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "It is unconscionable that corporate employers who are making massive profits refuse to provide fundamental working conditions."
"Our work on income inequality through the All Together Now! campaign has shown just how many people are struggling to get by. They are working harder than ever but not getting ahead. An increase in minimum wage would at least give the lowest paid workers a fighting chance," Clancy says.
Workers around the world protest corporate low wage strategies
On this global day of action, fast food cooks and cashiers are expected to strike in 230 cities in the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City, Mo., and Raleigh, N.C.
International protesters, in solidarity with their U.S. counterparts, will march in more than 100 cities in 35 countries, organizers say. That includes a one-day walkout by fast food workers in New Zealand and by restaurant, hotel and tourism workers in Italy.
In Canada, similar actions are planned across British Columbia and Ontario where the Fight for $15 is strong.
"Minimum wage doesn't just affect young workers on their first job anymore," says James Clancy. "More and more workers who have been laid off or had their jobs outsourced are finding themselves taking multiple jobs because they don't earn enough on minimum wage."
"This low wage strategy is hurting our economy, keeping people in poverty and destroying opportunities for people to create a better life for themselves and their families," Clancy continues. "When people don't earn enough to pay their bills, feed their family, take care of their health, society as a whole is damaged."
"Corporate employers refuse to address this issue for fear of reducing their profits. We need governments to step in and do what is right for the common good," says Clancy.
How can you help?
You can get more involved with this issue by joining actions in your community that support an increased minimum wage.
In Ontario, join the campaign $15 and Fairness to push for decent working conditions and wages. In B.C., you can join the Fight for $15 campaign. Or find a campaign in your local community.
"Supporting the lowest paid workers in our communities will bring opportunities for all of us to have a better life," concluded Clancy.
More information:
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE