Local Community Groups and Religious Leaders Converge on the Wilson Building for Press Conference to pass the Jobs Act
by
Adam El Daoud
Washington DC May 13 10AM
Earlier today Washington DC residents, local organizers, and leaders of faith organizations gathered on the steps of the Wilson Building to urge Congress to pass the Large Retailer Accountability Act. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) proposes a higher minimum wage for low wage workers. Testimony was heard from politicians, workers, and faith leaders who argue that $7.25 is not a livable wage for people in the District.
While the community appears to favor the bill, D.C. Chamber of Commerce president Barbara Lang has argued against it. Lang has said that if the minimum wage for select retailers rises to $11.75 and hour, large retailers would be discouraged from bringing stores and jobs into the District.
Our DC Travis Williams says, "These fat cat CEO's can take a cut in their millions to make sure mothers can feed their families. Mothers and fathers should't have to decide whether they are going to fill the refrigerator or get prescriptions for their kids. Its time for a change where families can live and feed their kids."
Several opponents have said that the definition of large retailers is arbitrary and discriminatory. It "identifies a select group of workers and gives them preferential treatment over other workers," said John Ray, a lawyer and former D.C. Council member.
Lang agreed, and she said smaller stores would suffer because employees would leave them to seek higher pay.
Faith based leader Reverend Graylan Hagler argues against that stating that 1000 new families are moving into the area and everyone is making money except for people that live in Washington D.C.
"If there is going to be prosperity, count us in. If there is going to be a paycheck, count us in. We aim to go an make sure that this Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013 comes out of committee and passes in the City Council. To do any less would be these politicians betraying the people who brought them to office. We need to bring betrayal to an end." Said Reverend Hagler.
Conversely Cosco pays its workers $45,000 and have still managed to turn a profit.
See the Huffington Post article:
Costco's Profits Soars To $459 Million As Low-Wage Competitors Struggle
We'll see what happens . . .
AMERICA: FREEDOM, LIBERTY & JUSTICE for ALL!
© 2013 ADAM EL DAOUD THE FATHER KING™
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