Across industries & geographies, workers unite for national day of action against poverty wages Wednesday, April 15th
Two weeks after the first pay increases under Seattle's landmark $15 minimum wage law, workers across the state will take part in the biggest mobilization yet in the movement against poverty wages. In Olympia, Federal Way, Yakima, Seattle, and beyond, fast food workers, adjunct professors, retail workers, homecare workers, immigrants, students, and other working people will unite under the call that "$15 is just the beginning. Inequality ends with us."
Seattle made history last May by passing the nation's first citywide minimum wage — a year after the city's first fast food strikes and little more than six months after SeaTac voters passed a $15 standard for transportation and tourism workers in that city. Since then, the movement has continued to spread across the state, most recently to Olympia, where a recent poll finds a citywide $15 minimum wage has 69% support among voters.
April 15th marks the next step in this nationwide mobilization for jobs that pay enough for workers to support themselves, with actions in numerous cities in Washington State and hundreds of cities across the country. While our State Senate has failed to raise wages and boost the economy, workers and community supporters continue to organize and take action around the principle that everyone should be to afford the basics & put money back into their communities.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015: $15 is just the beginning. Inequality ends with us.
Who: Food service workers, retail workers, homecare workers, drivers, adjunct professors, immigrants, students, and community supporters from across Washington State
What: March, rally, teach-in, and more — because "$15 is just the beginning. Inequality ends with us."
When & Where:
Morning and mid-day actions scheduled for Olympia, Federal Way, Yakima, Pasco, and more.
Specific times & locations to be announced shortly.
The statewide day of action culminates with hundreds and hundreds of workers marching, rallying and more through downtown Seattle in a group that will grow throughout the afternoon.
Seattle
2:00 pm: Occidental Park (S Main St & Occidental Ave S, Seattle). Action at nearby corporate location
3:00 pm: Westlake Park (4th Ave& Pine St, Seattle). Action at nearby corporate location
3:30 pm: Cal Anderson Park (1635 11th Ave, Seattle). Homecare workers and others will rally at Cal Anderson before joining the main group coming up from Westlake
4:00 pm: Seattle University (12th & Marion, near Chapel of St Ignatius). Teach-in and more to send clear message: $15 is just the beginning. Inequality ends with us.
More information:
- Job growth in Washington State has led the nation since voters passed the country's highest statewide minimum wage law in 1998.
- 63% of voters nationally and 69% of Olympia voters support a $15 citywide minimum wage, according to recent polls.
- The April 15th national day of action will include tens of thousands of workers across the country calling for $15/hour and workers rights for all.
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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington: sage@workingwa.org