The Economy In Crisis

By Nell Ranta

People's Weekly World

www.pww.org

SACRAMENTO - Gathering in Cesar Chavez Park opposite City Hall, right in front of the newly unveiled statue of the late farm labor leader, more than 500 activists from labor, community and religious groups rallied here May 20 in support of a living wage ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would require businesses that contract with the city, or receive tax breaks or other subsidies from city tax dollars, to pay their employees at least a living wage, plus health benefits. It also requires the companies to respect their employees' right to join a union.

During the last five years, labor and community coalitions have fought for and won living wage laws in over 40 cities and counties, and living wage campaigns are currently underway in another 60 communities nationwide.

In California, the minimum wage is $6.25 an hour, with no benefits. If the minimum wage had kept up with inflation since the 1960s, it would now be $11 an hour. The proposed living wage in Sacramento of $10 an hour plus health benefits, while not extravagant, will be a welcome gain for the lowest income workers.

"Can you imagine trying to live on $6.25 an hour, when the lowest rent in Sacramento is $700 a month?" asked Bob Balgenorth, president of the California State Building Trades Council.

Leaders in organizing the rally were Bill Camp and Ruth Holbrook of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, and Chris Jones of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN.) Also present was Sacramento City Councilman Dave Jones, while Councilwomen Lauren Hammond and Bonnie Pannell sent messages of support. The next step in the living wage campaign will be presenting the ordinance to the city council for adoption.