Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the introduction of the Pay Workers a Living Wage Act and the New York State Wage Board recommendation that fast food workers’ minimum wage be increased to $15 an hour:
In the past week there has been significant upward pressure on wages. Fast food workers in New York State winning a $15 minimum wage and new legislation proposing a national minimum wage of $15 are important, positive steps for the Raising Wages Agenda.
This week also marks nearly a decade since the last time the minimum wage was increased. We need game changing policies that drive up the wages of working people. From increasing the minimum wage to strengthening the right for workers to join together in a union, we’re done waiting on Washington. All across America, working people are marching forward to raise wages in every way possible – in cities, states, and at workplaces. We need to raise wages for all working people together—that our economy works best when wages rise for all of us.
Contact: Josh Goldstein (202) 637-5018