As this chart from the Economic Policy Institute shows, at its current level, the U.S. minimum wage ranks us near the bottom when you look at how the minimum in other countries compares to the median wage. Raising it to $12 would move us from 27th...

As this chart from the Economic Policy Institute shows, at its current level, the U.S. minimum wage ranks us near the bottom when you look at how the minimum in other countries compares to the median wage. Raising it to $12 would move us from 27th place up to 11th—progress, but still not enough. Read more.

Colorado WINS, an AFT affiliate representing more than 31,000 state employees, has mounted a campaign to ensure respect in the workplace and economic security for Colorado’s public employees. Part of that is a push for a livable wage—connecting with...

Colorado WINS, an AFT affiliate representing more than 31,000 state employees, has mounted a campaign to ensure respect in the workplace and economic security for Colorado’s public employees. Part of that is a push for a livable wage—connecting with the nationwide “Fight for $15” effort.

“As the economy improves, the state is losing employees to the private sector. We need to step up and recognize the value of our public workers at correctional facilities, veterans homes, transportation facilities and centers for the developmentally disabled across the state. Their work matters to all of us, and it should be rewarded fairly,” says Colorado WINS Executive Director Tim Markham.

The Oregon School Employees Association is supporting state legislation that would gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. About 65 OSEA members from all over the state rallied and marched on Jan. 24, joining a crowd of about 500 at the Capitol in Salem, because raising the wage would lift thousands of Oregon families out of poverty.

“There are many reasons for us to increase Oregon’s minimum wage. In fact, there are 200,000 reasons—that’s the number of Oregon children who live in households below the federal poverty line,” OSEA President and AFT Vice President Tim Stoelb told the crowd. “The majority of OSEA members work in K-12 schools. Our members see the struggle of working families to make ends meet reflected in the faces of their students every day. I stand before you to ask all Oregonians to demand an end to an employer’s ability to legally pay poverty wages.” (OSEA photos)

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