Why The Fight For $15 Workers’ Union Ask Is So Important
Today, workers across the country are joining together as part of the Fight for $15 movement. They are organizing to call for living wages and a fair path to come together in a union. Across the country, cities and states are responding to workers’ protests by raising their minimum wages. In the last few weeks both California and New York passed legislation to raise their minimum wages to $15 an hour. But the other part of the Fight for $15 workers’ ask—to negotiate collectively as part of a union—is just as important as their ask to raise wages. Union membership results in higher wages and better benefits for all workers, not just union members, and has been shown to reduce poverty and build a strong middle class. The infographic below shows the benefits of union membership by the numbers:
BOTTOM LINE: The Fight for $15 workers’ ask to stand together in a union and negotiate collectively is just as important as their ask for higher wages. By rebuilding union membership in the United States, workers can ensure they will earn a good living, give their kids a better shot at achieving the American dream, and strengthen the middle class.
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