Public Employee Press

THE FIGHT FOR FAIR PAY
Union activists join low-wage workers' nationwide protest

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Union leaders joined hundreds of activists and elected officials at Foley Square in Manhattan Nov. 10 to demand a livable wage for fast-food and other poorly-paid workers.

The rally was part of the National Day of Action campaign by fast-food workers, who staged demonstrations in more than a dozen cities around the country. The campaign began three years ago in New York City when workers demanded $15 an hour and union representation.

"A lot of us who work at the City University of New York are not even making $15 an hour. That's why we're out here today with our union brothers and sisters," said Eric Latson, president of Custodial Assistant Employees Local 1597.

School Crossing Guard and Local 372 member Theresa Wintjen works five days a week rain or shine and is having trouble making ends meet.

"I love the kids and my job, but it's getting tougher and tougher," said Wintjen, wearing a green DC 37 poncho on the rainy day of the rally. "We need a raise and we need it now."

Leading the DC 37 contingent was Associate Director Oliver Gray, who joined Public Advocate Letitia James and Comptroller Scott Stringer on the stage. "Together we will fight for wages that strengthen our communities and families, including a $15 minimum wage for all workers here in New York City and across the country," Gray said.

At the rally, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he would raise the minimum wage to $15 for 10,000 state workers. The rate would start in New York City by the end of 2018 and would be extended to workers in the rest of the state by the end of 2021. In July, the state's labor commissioner, Mario Musolino, signed a recommendation from a panel appointed by Cuomo to raise the minimum wage of fast-food workers in the state to $15 an hour.

Mayor Bill de Blasio attended an early morning rally in support of fast-food workers at McDonald's in downtown Brooklyn.