-
News and Updates
January 8, 2015
“40 Hours” Bill Would Harm Workers
The Save American Workers Act is misleadingly named legislation that would actually do great harm to working men and women.
There is no doubt that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has created an incentive for employers to cut their workers’ hours below 30 to avoid paying a penalty.
But instead of fixing this loophole, the Save American Workers Act would reduce the number of people receiving employment-based health care and allow employers to get off scot free for failing to cover those who work between 30 and 39 hours a week. In addition, it would put three times as many workers in danger of having their hours cut.
The underlying issue would be best addressed by passing the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights which would penalize employers under the ACA for failing to provide health care to part-timers and end the incentive for cutting hours. Unfortunately, that bill has not had a single hearing.
Members of Congress should oppose this legislation and if it reaches President Obama’s desk, he should veto it.
January 8, 2015
Spokane Hospital Workers Vote Union Yes
Last month, service and maintenance workers at Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Wash., voted ‘Union Yes’ to join UFCW Local 21. More than 240 workers at the hospital won union representation.
UFCW Local 21 members from the nearby Providence Sacred Heart hospital were an active part of the campaign, reaching out to Holy Family workers with stories of their own organizing drive and first contract.
“Several years ago, we organized a union because we wanted job security and protection from management. Since we formed our union, we have had significant pay increases, rights at work, and peace of mind,” recounted Colette O’Harra, a housekeeper at Providence Sacred Heart. “I am proud to stand with the workers at Holy Family as they join our union family.”
Workers at Providence Holy Family look forward to using their new voice on the job to improve patient care and to negotiate a contract that provides better job security and fairness in the workplace.
January 7, 2015
In Many States, the New Year Equals New Minimum Wage Increases
2015 brought a pay raise for millions of Americans as minimum wage increases go into effect across the country. Minimum wage workers in 21 states and the District of Columbia will see their pay rise. For the first time ever, a majority of U.S. states will have a minimum wage above the federal minimum.
From supporting a ballot initiative in Arkansas to lobbying for the passage of legislation in Maryland, these wage hikes are happening in large part because of the hard work and dedication of UFCW members.
UFCW members have championed a raise for workers because the current minimum wage has left too many families struggling to make ends meet. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 has seen its spending power fall by nearly one-third since its peak in 1968 – it fails to keep workers and their families out of poverty.
In his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama called on Congress to raise the minimum wage to a living wage of $10.10 and they failed to act. In 2015, UFCW members will be pushing the 114th Congress to follow the lead of 29 states and the nation’s capital and raise the minimum wage so that no worker is forced to live in poverty.
January 6, 2015
Wednesday: Watch Live Stream of National Summit on Wages
Be sure to tune in Wednesday on the AFL-CIO Now blog for the live stream of the first National Summit on Raising Wages. The summit, sponsored by the AFL-CIO, will examine concrete and progressive steps to raise wages for working people to help solve the dilemma of income inequality that plagues the United States.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) will deliver the keynote address and the summit will feature a roundtable discussion by a diverse group including academics, business owners, prominent leaders—including Labor Secretary Thomas Perez—and everyday working people. Click here for the agenda.
January 2, 2015
In Many States, the New Year Equals New Minimum Wage Increases
2015 brought a pay raise for millions of Americans as minimum wage increases go into effect across the country. Minimum wage workers in 21 states and the District of Columbia will see their pay rise. For the first time ever, a majority of U.S. states will have a minimum wage above the federal minimum.
From supporting a ballot initiative in Arkansas to lobbying for the passage of legislation in Maryland, these wage hikes are happening in large part because of the hard work and dedication of UFCW members.
UFCW members have championed a raise for workers because the current minimum wage has left too many families struggling to make ends meet. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 has seen its spending power fall by nearly one-third since its peak in 1968 – it fails to keep workers and their families out of poverty.
In his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama called on Congress to raise the minimum wage to a living wage of $10.10 and they failed to act. In 2015, UFCW members will be pushing the 114th Congress to follow the lead of 29 states and the nation’s capital and raise the minimum wage so that no worker is forced to live in poverty.