Change to Win Statement on Minimum Wage Increase

WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire/ – Change to Win executive director Chris Chafe issued the following statement today in support of the minimum wage increase from $6.55 an hour to $7.25.

“Today’s minimum wage increase is an important step in recovering our economy, rebuilding the middle class and renewing the American Dream for America’s workers. But it is only one of three prongs necessary to create a real economic stimulus package for working families. In addition to a minimum wage indexed to inflation, workers need a major overhaul of our health care system and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that would allow workers to bargain with employers for better wages, benefits and job security. Worker consumption is what drives our economy. In order to expand America’s purchasing power, we need to expand the paychecks of workers.

“Even with this new wage increase, millions of working Americans are struggling to make ends meet. By implementing the President’s bold reforms – from health care to the Employee Free Choice Act – we can put working families on a pathway out of poverty and back on the road to achieving the American Dream.”

About Change to Win

Seven unions and six million workers united in Change to Win to build a new movement of working people equipped to meet the challenges of the global economy and restore the American Dream in the 21(st) century: a paycheck that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement and dignity on the job. The seven partner unions are: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, United Farm Workers of America, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

SOURCE Change to Win