$15 for Seattle - April 23, 2014

Support our families. Afford to survive. Live on our own. Pay the bills. That’s what workers need: a $15 minimum wage so everyone can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy.

Join us April 23rd at City Hall to show how strongly our community supports $15 for Seattle.

We’ll gather on the 4th Avenue side of City Hall at 4 pm. First we’ll form a giant “15” on the City Hall plaza, and then spread out to surround the entire block with signs that show all the reasons we need $15 for Seattle — how broad the support for $15 is.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Seattle City Hall 600 4th Avenue Gather at 4:00 pm

"$15 for Seattle" supporters to surround City Hall on Wednesday

Supporters of $15 for Seattle to rally at City Hall Wednesday, then surround the entire block with chain of multicolored signs

As Mayor Murray's Income Inequality Advisory Committee nears its deadline, supporters of a $15 minimum wage for Seattle will rally at City Hall, thensurround the entire block from 4th to 5th and James to Cherry with a chain of multicolored signs that show why we need a $15 minimum wage — and how broad the benefits will be to our city and our economy.

Who: Workers, women, youth, people of color, immigrants, customers, renters, neighbors, and leaders who support $15 for Seattle so everyone can afford to survive, pay the bills, live on our own, and support our families.

What/visuals: After a brief program, we will form a human "15", then disperse to surround the entire block of City Hall with a chain of multicolored signs that show who we are and why we need $15 for Seattle.

When: Wednesday, April 23, 2014. We will begin gathering at 4:00 pm. Brief program scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm before we form a human 15 at approximately 5:00 pm, and then surround the entire block of City Hall from 4th Ave to 5th Ave and James St to Cherry St.

Where: Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave. We will gather in the plaza on the 4th Ave side.

15 for Seattle ###

Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org

Extra Car Park isn't paying their workers $15/hr

Two groups of airport workers and community supporters took it right to their employers, Extra Car Park and Air Serv, demanding better wages and working conditions.

Extra Car Park isn’t paying their workers the $15/hour that the people of SeaTac voted for and is trying to intimidate workers who are standing up for what they deserve. When Extra Car workers filed complaints with the City of SeaTac, their boss started firing them. We all aren’t going to put up with that.

WP_20140326_033

Extra Car workers, other airport workers, Teamsters, SEIU members and other allies marched in front of Extra Car’s parking lot waving signs, yelling and calling management out for their shady treatment of their workers.

“Shame! Shame! You’ve gone too far, Extra Car!”

Extra Car management tried to push us, literally, off of the public sidewalk and tried to encourage cars to drive right through us as we marched. We still didn’t back down.

Later in the day, workers announced they’ve filed a class-action lawsuit against Extra Car. Through street heat, organizing and legal action, we’ll win justice at Extra Car!

Right down the street we walked into the Air Serv main offices and delivered a petition, signed by the majority of Air Serv workers, calling on management to meet with the workers’ committee.

Air Serv workers handle baggage, clean airplanes, and provide wheelchair services at Sea-Tac Airport. The company is profitable but treats its workers shabbily.

“You don’t pay us the $15 we deserve,” said Alex Hoopes, an Air Serv worker. “You just keep cutting hours, and cutting hours. You keep hiring new people when the rest of us can’t make enough.”

We cheered as management started mumbling a weak retort.

“How are we supposed to be loyal to you when you aren’t loyal to us?”

We crammed into the Air Serv office, filling it and spilling into the hallway. What we wanted was simple. Management needs to meet with the workers’ committee to start to address the continuing issues of low pay, a lack of respect, and safety issues.

One person shouted out, “Just meet with us!” Another said, “You don’t give us any dignity. We want to be paid enough to actually live!”

As we asked for the management to do the right thing by its workers, one person summed everything up.

“We just want management to agree to meet with us and go over these issues that won’t go away.  We just want respect. And we won’t stop until we get it.”

From child labor to $15/hour, new report reveals 100 years of Chicken Little predictions by business

The 9-hour day will hurt department stores, a 25¢ minimum wage will destroy all jobs in the south, and sick leave will cost Seattle $90 million

The Sky Remains Aloft: a century of mistaken predictions from child labor and "immoral women" to sick leave and SeaTac 

MasterPark, hiring for $15 in SeaTacAs Seattle continues to debate the $15 minimum wage, many of the far-fetched predictions, projections, and threats made by some business lobbyists sound eerily familiar.

Our new report — "The Sky Remains Aloft" — compiles a century of mistaken projections about the impact on business of improving workers living standards.

In the century since Washington State first passed a minimum wage, the real-world data has become increasingly clear: raising wages lifts workers out of poverty, creates new customers, boosts the economy, has very moderate price impacts, and does not reduce job growth. But despite the long-standing experiential evidence dating all the way back to 1915, some business lobbyists continue to tell the same scare stories the’ve been telling for the last century — even though the sky has yet to fall.

"The Sky Remains Aloft," is available online for immediate release.

Highlights include:

1903: A 9-hour day for children will hurt department stores?

The child labor measure is being vigorously attacked by the department stores to the State. Representatives of these stores are using all of their influence…to secure the defeat of this bill, on account of a provision which it contains limited the work of children from fourteen to sixteen years of age to nine hours a day. — Department store owners, opposing child labor protections. Child Labor Bill Signed. One More Remains to be Passed — Department Stores Said to be Fighting It, NY Times, April 16, 1903

1949: Any minimum wage causes “immediate unemployment”?

Any temporary advantage to our 2 million employees would be more than offset by immediate unemployment within our industry. [A] national minimum wage within our industry is impractical and dangerous. —George R. LeSauvage, National Restaurant Association, 1949

1991: Any wage above $4.25 will drive Hardee’s out of business?

I don’t know what kind of dream world they’re in. When [the cost of] your labor component goes up, it ultimately gets passed on to the consumer.  [If another wage increase were enacted], we’d probably be out of business at some point. —John Merritt, Senior Vice President, Hardee’s

2004: Raising the wage above $5.15 is a “job killer” at Domino’s?

From our  perspective, raising the minimum wage is a job killer…If the minimum wage were increased, there would be price inflation for consumers or we would likely employ fewer people. —Domino’s Pizza CEO David Brandon. Note: according to their 10-K filings, Domino’s & their franchisees currently employ 220,000 people, an increase of more than 70,000 (almost 30%) since 2004.

2011: Sick leave means “some people will go out of business”?

The hardest thing in the world is to run a small restaurant. As far as the whole labor thing goes, we’ll have to see how it plays out. But ultimately, I hate to say it, I think some people will go out of business. —Ethan Stowell on sick leave. Note: Restaurant employment in King County has increased by 3,200 jobs since sick leave was implemented.

2011: Sick leave will cost Seattle $90 million a year?

Mandatory paid sick days could cost Seattle businesses and consumers between $30 million and $90 million a year.…Mandatory paid sick leave is likely to impact small businesses, restaurants and the hospitality industry the hardest. — Washington Policy Center briefing on economic impact of Seattle paid sick leave ordinance Note: A year later, Tom Douglas, who opposed the paid sick leave law,  estimated it was only costing about one-third of what his company initially projected for the 650 eligible employees at his restaurants.

2013: "It really hurts" that $15 will force layoffs at Cedarbrook?

I am shaking here tonight because I am going to be forced to lay people off for something that is not their fault, something they have no control over,” he said. “I’m going to take away their livelihood. That hurts. It really, really hurts. —Scott Ostrander, manager of the Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac testifying in opposition to a $15/hour wage. Note: After $15 for hotels was implemented, he told KIRO TV that they are expanding “not in spite of Proposition 1 but actually as a recovery method to Proposition 1 to try to recoup significant expenses that will be incurred as a result of Proposition 1.”

2013: $15 + “razor-thin margins” will mean lost jobs at MasterPark? 

Roger McCracken, managing partner of MasterPark, which gave $31,890 to fight Proposition 1, has said the company may have to automate some jobs if the measure passes. “We’re on a razor-thin margin as it is,” he told Bloomberg News. —Roger McCracken, manager of Master Park. Note: After $15 for parking lots was implemented, “he called layoffs “foolish” and rejected the notion that cashiers soon would be replaced by automation”

The full report is available online for immediate release. 

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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington: sage@workingwa.org

Lining up in the rain, Seattle speaks out in support of $15

Hundreds of community members stood in the pouring rain, outside of Town Hall Seattle, donning bright red t-shirts emblazoned with a giant yellow “15” on the chest. We were out in force two hours early to show our support of $15 for Seattle at the first public $15 minimum wage hearing. Sure we got a little wet, but it was worth it as supporters of $15 filled the room and took to the testimonial microphones. It sounded a little something like this:

“When you raise the wage of regular people, they are not going to sit on it. They are going to go out and spend it, helping everyone.”

“We need a higher minimum wage now so that Seattle is a race to the top, not a race to the bottom.”

“I support a $15 min wage because it will empower women. They're a majority in low wage work. This will change women's lives.”

Media was out in droves snapping photos, interviewing workers, and broadcasting live feeds as supporters of $15 overwhelmed the room.

"‘Historic moment’: Hundreds pack minimum-wage hearing” – Seattle Times

“Hundreds turn out for Seattle’s town hall on $15 minimum wage issue” – Q 13 Fox News

It was definitely a strong showing of support of $15 for Seattle.

Speaking of support, the mayor has set up an Online Town Hall. Share your input on why you support $15 to lift workers out of poverty and boost the economy.

http://incomeinequality.mindmixer.com/

Show you support $15!

Seattle is standing up for a $15 minimum wage and now you can show your support right from home! Click right here, fill out your address and we will mail you a snazzy "$15 for Seattle" window sign.

15 for Seattle Word Cloud WebgraphicNeed a reminder why we are fighting for $15 in Seattle? Check out a few of the workers' stories below.

Kyle, McDonald's "I'm a father of a 6 month old baby. I'm trying to help care for my girlfriend and our daughter, but I can’t do that on minimum wage. I don't have a car so I ride the bus back and forth everyday, taking a bus on a two hour ride to visit them in Tumwater where they are. We are trying to find a place on our own right now but it's hard on what they pay us. My life would be dramatically changed if I could afford a car, a place of our own and $15 would help get me there. 
Crystal, Domino's "I've been working at Domino's for five years and still make minimum wage. A raise to $15 an hour would help me and my son raise ourselves out of poverty. I’m a single mother. I live in a bad neighborhood and I’m trying to get out. I want to get out but it’s a struggle — it’s hard to get out on this minimum wage. I want to go back to school but right now I'm living check to check. I get food stamps and child care subsidies but it's a constant day to day struggle. I don’t know how many hours I am going to get each week, sometimes up, sometimes down. I love my job, I like to work, I just wish it would pay a little more."

Luis, McDonald's "I work at the McDonald’s on Madison and it’s not possible to survive on minimum wage. I’m supporting three granddaughters because their father died. I’m taking care of them, but it is not easy to maintain a decent lifestyle for them. It’s really hard to live on minimum wage. If I was making $15 an hour they would be able to pursue a better career and wouldn’t have to only worry about their current living situation."

"I want to get out."

Seattle fast food workers have called for a one day, city-wide boycott of McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s on February 20th. Here’s why.

“I have two kids and a wife and I send money back home as well. What we are making now we can’t take care of ourselves. It’s tough and it gets tougher when they cut your hours. With little hours and making minimum wage I can’t take care of myself, much less take care of my family.” - Jose

“I live in a household with seven other people in a two bedroom, one bath house. I live in a room now with three people. I just think that if the minimum wage was raised I would be able to afford day to day stuff, maybe even move out on my own, and just live my life.” - Martina

“Both my parents have disabilities. I’m the only one bringing in income for the family. I am always taking extra shifts, but these companies that pay this low minimum wage just don’t understand how hard it is to make it. $15 an hour would change our lives.” - Alonna

“I’ve worked in fast food for five years. I’m a single mother. I live in a bad neighborhood and I’m trying to get out. I want to get out. It’s a struggle. It’s hard on this minimum wage. I’m living check to check. I want to get out.” - Crystal

Join us: Pack your lunch, spread the word, and show support for $15 for Seattle by pledging to Boycott McPoverty on February 20th.

New poll shows 60% of Queen Anne, Magnolia, and other City Council District 7 voters back $15 minimum wage; workers here call for boycott 2/20

A new poll conducted by EMC Research finds a remarkable 60% level of support for a $15 minimum wage among likely voters in Seattle City Council District 7 (Queen Anne/Magnolia/South Lake Union/Downtown). Overall support reaches 68% citywide and is incredibly robust across all seven council districts. (Specific highlights available online; EMC Research has also made their full polling memo publicly available.)
These remarkable results come little more than a week before "Boycott McPoverty”, the February 20th one-day citywide boycott of the big burger chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's) in Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Downtown & citywide called by Seattle fast food workers.
"I am a veteran of the United States Marines and I've worked at Burger King for 8 years now, and I’m paid minimum wage,” said Jason Harvey, a fast food worker who lives in a subsidized apartment in the Queen Anne area and has joined the call to Boycott McPoverty February 20th. "I'm not surprised that most of the people in Seattle support raising the wage to $15 because everyone is looking at their paychecks and saying 'ouch'. And all the while they're looking at the prosperity of the rich. People aren't stupid. We know we need this now."
Burger outlets in the area which will be affected by Boycott McPoverty on February 20th include:
* McDonald's - 3rd & Pine

* McDonald's - Denny Triangle * McDonald's - Ferry Terminal * McDonald's - Seattle Center

A citywide map of every burger chain outlet affected by the boycott is available here.

Who: Seattle fast-food workers and other supporters of $15 for Seattle
What: Call on the city to "Boycott McPoverty" in a one-day citywide boycott of the big burger chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's) to support $15 for Seattle.
When: Thursday, February 20, 2014, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where: All 25 big burger chain outlets inside city limits.
In less than 9 months, the Seattle fast food strikes have given birth to a wildly popular movement to boost the economy by ensuring workers are paid enough to support themselves. On May 30th, the day of the first strikes, the call for $15 was received as a quixotic aspiration destined for failure. But on Election Day, voters in SeaTac and Seattle made moved the issue dramatically forwards, and as Mayor Murray's task force discusses the best way to implement a $15 minimum wage, a broad consensus has coalesced in support of the call initially articulated by fast food workers.
Highlights:
* 68% of likely Seattle voters support a $15 minimum wage vs. just 25% who oppose
* Support is strong in every council district:
* District 1 (West Seattle): 58% - 37%
* District 2 (South Seattle): 74% - 17%
* District 3 (Capitol Hill): 71% - 20%
* District 4 (U District/Wallingford/Ravenna): 76% - 14%
* District 5 (Northgate/North Seattle): 75% - 23%
* District 6 (Ballard/Greenwood): 68% - 25%
* District 7 (Queen Anne/Downtown): 60% - 32%
* Strong enforcement rules (including fines) win 86% support
* Three in four voters agree that "If workers in Seattle earn higher wages, our entire community benefits"
* 71% agree that "A higher minimum wage helps local businesses because more workers making more money means they will have more money to spend"
About the poll:
* The poll was conducted by EMC Research, a leading public opinion & market research firm, thought a January 14 - 22 telephone survey of 805 likely November 2014 voters in Seattle, with a margin of error of 3.5%.
* Polling was funded by a coalition of organizations & individuals supporting $15 for Seattle, including Working Washington, UFCW 21, Nick Hanauer, SEIU 1199NW, the Teamsters, and the MLK County Labor Council.
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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org, 206-227-6014

New poll shows 68% of Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood, and other City Council District 6 voters back $15 minimum wage; workers here call for boycott 2/20

A new poll conducted by EMC Research finds a remarkable 68% level of support for a $15 minimum wage among likely voters in Seattle City Council District 6 (Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood). Overall support reaches an identical 68% citywide and is incredibly robust across all seven council districts. (Specific highlights available online; EMC Research has also made their full polling memo publicly available.)
These remarkable results come little more than a week before "Boycott McPoverty”, the February 20th one-day citywide boycott of the big burger chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's) in Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood, and citywide called by Seattle fast food workers.
"I work at the Ballard Wendy's & and I’m struggling to support two children,” explained Teresa Fuentes, a fast food worker who both lives & works in the area, and has joined the call to Boycott McPoverty February 20th. "For one child who's a teen, it is hard to keep up with her expenses between paying for her phone bill and special clothes. For my four year old it is also difficult because every time I go to the store they want candy or a small toy and it's hard to say no. With a $15 minimum wage, I would be able to afford my car insurance which I can't afford right now. I would be able to get decent food, because right now I go to the food bank a lot of the time. The food from there goes bad in a day, and I would like to have the choice to go to the store and buy fresh food. I would be able to buy more clothes for my daughter and toys for my son instead of going to Goodwill."
"I think this boycott is necessary because it's important that everybody notice us and realize that we're hardworking people,” Teresa continued. "We need to stand up for our rights. A lot of people get comfortably without knowing that we struggle to get by. There's money for everything but not for us. The rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. It's important to distribute money in a better way so that everyone has a dignified life.”
Burger outlets in the area which will be affected by Boycott McPoverty on February 20th include:
* Burger King - Ballard * McDonald's - Ballard * Wendy's - Ballard * McDonald's - Crown Hill

A citywide map of every burger chain outlet affected by the boycott is available here.

Who: Seattle fast-food workers and other supporters of $15 for Seattle
What: Call on the city to "Boycott McPoverty" in a one-day citywide boycott of the big burger chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's) to support $15 for Seattle.
When: Thursday, February 20, 2014, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where: All 25 big burger chain outlets inside city limits.
In less than 9 months, the Seattle fast food strikes have given birth to a wildly popular movement to boost the economy by ensuring workers are paid enough to support themselves. On May 30th, the day of the first strikes, the call for $15 was received as a quixotic aspiration destined for failure. But on Election Day, voters in SeaTac and Seattle made moved the issue dramatically forwards, and as Mayor Murray's task force discusses the best way to implement a $15 minimum wage, a broad consensus has coalesced in support of the call initially articulated by fast food workers.
Highlights:
* 68% of likely Seattle voters support a $15 minimum wage vs. just 25% who oppose
* Support is strong in every council district:
* District 1 (West Seattle): 58% - 37%
* District 2 (South Seattle): 74% - 17%
* District 3 (Capitol Hill): 71% - 20%
* District 4 (U District/Wallingford/Ravenna): 76% - 14%
* District 5 (Northgate/North Seattle): 75% - 23%
* District 6 (Ballard/Greenwood): 68% - 25%
* District 7 (Queen Anne/Downtown): 60% - 32%
* Strong enforcement rules (including fines) win 86% support
* Three in four voters agree that "If workers in Seattle earn higher wages, our entire community benefits"
* 71% agree that "A higher minimum wage helps local businesses because more workers making more money means they will have more money to spend"
About the poll:
* The poll was conducted by EMC Research, a leading public opinion & market research firm, thought a January 14 - 22 telephone survey of 805 likely November 2014 voters in Seattle, with a margin of error of 3.5%.
* Polling was funded by a coalition of organizations & individuals supporting $15 for Seattle, including Working Washington, UFCW 21, Nick Hanauer, SEIU 1199NW, the Teamsters, and the MLK County Labor Council.
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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org, 206-227-6014