Hi All, Beginning today, October 1, Berkeley employers are required to pay their employees a minimum wage of $10 an hour. A year from now the minimum wage will increase to $11 an hour and will peak on October 1, 2016 at $12.53 an hour. Although we are delighted that many low wage workers will see a considerable improvement in their standard of living, we are not complacent. Our canvassers who have been visiting businesses have discovered that most workers are unaware that they are entitled to a wage increase. The City of Berkeley had sent out notices which employers are required to post. But most have not yet done so. We are hoping that Berkeley will take vigorous steps to assure that the law is obeyed. The City, under this new law, can fine violators. Still, we cannot just sit around and keep our fingers crossed. We need volunteers, who are willing to go from one store to another in pairs to make sure that workers are informed. Please let me know if you would be willing to help out. Also, when you shop at a store please take a moment to let workers know about the new law. In addition, long range plans are being made. Community activists and labor groups are holding a press conference today --4pm to 4:15pm - to announce their intention to place a measure on the ballot that would improve the law. The ballot initiative would increase the hourly wage to $15 an hour, and would also include an annual cost of living adjustment and sick leave. Both the current law and the planned amendments represent a major step forward for working people. For these are not just defensive measures, which aim to prevent the further erosion of worker rights. These measures represent important steps forward. And of course, I urge you to come to our Monday Tax the Rich rallies, from 5-6pm near the top of Solano Avenue. Since our next rally on October 6th is the first for the month, we invite you to eat out with us afterward. We get together at the Mexican restaurant, Cactus, which is right where we rally. We hope well see you there. In Community, Harry Brill, East Bay Tax the Rich Group
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 20:44:05 +0000
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