A Day’s Work Deserves a Fair Wage

On August 28th and 29th, Sherrod met with labor leaders, workers, and members of the faith community to rally support for increasing the state minimum wage.
 
Congress hasn't raised the minimum wage in ten years but has passed pay raises for its members six times.  On the ballot this November, Ohio voters will have the opportunity to step up where Congressional Republicans have failed and raise the state minimum wage.  Workers and members of the faith community are knocking on doors across Ohio to ensure that low-income families struggling to pay their bills get a much needed boost on Election Day.
 
Monday's event took place at the Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland.  Sherrod was joined by Rev. Karl Weiser, waitress Jasmine Torres, Democratic State Senate Leader CJ Prentiss, and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.  Sherrod was greeted by rousing applause from the workers, seniors, and parishioners.  The call to raise the minimum wage echoed through the Cathedral's historic chamber.  USA Today reporter Susan Page wrote about the event and the economic troubles that have faced Ohioans under GOP leadership.
 
Jasmine Torres spoke about her struggle to work a minimum wage job, raise a child, and attend two different schools at the same time.  She said raising the minimum wage would provide tangible benefits for her life and her family's future.  Rev. Weiser said paying those who work with a livable wage was a matter of justice.
 
In Toledo on Tuesday, Sherrod met with workers at the Building and Construction Trades Council to continue his fight to raise the minimum wage.  The workers at this labor hall played a critical role in getting enough signatures to get the wage initiative on the ballot.

09/04/2006 / Permalink / Minimum Wage, (all tags)