Positive News US is a free, not for profit newspaper published four times a year in Ithaca, NY. We report on successful projects around the world in the areas of sustainability, social equality, education and happiness, with a clear message that "another world is possible."
more...
| a part of Positive News International |
Workers' Rights Haven |
by Steve Gabriel
Based on a study conducted by the Alternatives Credit Union in Ithaca New York, it would take an hourly wage of $8.43 for one adult to live in Tompkins County. The figure is even more for say, a single parent with two children, who would need an hourly wage of $16.21 (based on a forty hour work week) to pay the bills, buy food and clothing, and other necessities of life. Luckily for local residents there are a couple of guys who are consistently educating and making the idea of each citizen getting a living wage more possible.
Pete Meyers, co-coordinator for the Living Wage Coalition of Tompkins County, says the living wage issue is "one of those movements that has the potential to unite the broadest amount of people and deal directly with the system of capitalism." Pete, along with his partner Carl Feuer, formalized the coalition from a working group a few years ago and ever since have made a number of accomplishments, including resolutions in the City of Ithaca Government to pay employees and support local businesses to do the same. The latest success story is the group's active participation in a state-wide campaign to increase minimum wages from $5.15 to $7.15 an hour over the next two years. The victory will give New York state workers one of the highest minimum wage rates in the country.
The coalition officially defines a living wage as "the minimum hourly wage that a person can live on without struggling to get by." This is declared as a basic human right in Articles 23, 24, and 25 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which speaks of "the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their families." The organization has over forty-five organizations and groups as members and is currently working most intensely on a campaign to get the new Wal-Mart in Ithaca to pay a living wage. Another project always going on is one that encourages local residents to pledge to use only hotels in the area that pay a living wage when having guests from out of town visit. While these projects focus mostly on specific industry, Carl notes that "by our existence we are, in effect campaigning for any low wage worker."
Pete, whose background is in social work and activist politics, and Carl, who has long been involved in various labor projects, also house in their offices a Workers Rights Center, which assists anyone working in the community by confidentially providing information and referrals. This organization looks to "stand up with all workers treated unfairly at work." The duo exercises this mission by working as facilitators and supporters of the daily issues of many different area workers, providing them with answers to questions on legalities, a number of area resources, and facilitation of disputes.
The coalition has in addition created a diverse and active space above Autumn Leaves Bookstore in downtown Ithaca. This center is home to a number of local progressive organizations: Ithaca Health Alliance, Ithaca Hours (local currency), Ithaca Health Fund, Books Thru Bars, and even the US offices of Positive News. Recently a small "Peace and Justice Gift Shop" was opened, showcasing a wide array of progressive merchandise in the form of buttons, shirts, posters, and books.
Based on a study conducted by the Alternatives Credit Union in Ithaca New York, it would take an hourly wage of $8.43 for one adult to live in Tompkins County. The figure is even more for say, a single parent with two children, who would need an hourly wage of $16.21 (based on a forty hour work week) to pay the bills, buy food and clothing, and other necessities of life. Luckily for local residents there are a couple of guys who are consistently educating and making the idea of each citizen getting a living wage more possible.
Pete Meyers, co-coordinator for the Living Wage Coalition of Tompkins County, says the living wage issue is "one of those movements that has the potential to unite the broadest amount of people and deal directly with the system of capitalism." Pete, along with his partner Carl Feuer, formalized the coalition from a working group a few years ago and ever since have made a number of accomplishments, including resolutions in the City of Ithaca Government to pay employees and support local businesses to do the same. The latest success story is the group's active participation in a state-wide campaign to increase minimum wages from $5.15 to $7.15 an hour over the next two years. The victory will give New York state workers one of the highest minimum wage rates in the country.
The coalition officially defines a living wage as "the minimum hourly wage that a person can live on without struggling to get by." This is declared as a basic human right in Articles 23, 24, and 25 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which speaks of "the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their families." The organization has over forty-five organizations and groups as members and is currently working most intensely on a campaign to get the new Wal-Mart in Ithaca to pay a living wage. Another project always going on is one that encourages local residents to pledge to use only hotels in the area that pay a living wage when having guests from out of town visit. While these projects focus mostly on specific industry, Carl notes that "by our existence we are, in effect campaigning for any low wage worker."
Pete, whose background is in social work and activist politics, and Carl, who has long been involved in various labor projects, also house in their offices a Workers Rights Center, which assists anyone working in the community by confidentially providing information and referrals. This organization looks to "stand up with all workers treated unfairly at work." The duo exercises this mission by working as facilitators and supporters of the daily issues of many different area workers, providing them with answers to questions on legalities, a number of area resources, and facilitation of disputes.
The coalition has in addition created a diverse and active space above Autumn Leaves Bookstore in downtown Ithaca. This center is home to a number of local progressive organizations: Ithaca Health Alliance, Ithaca Hours (local currency), Ithaca Health Fund, Books Thru Bars, and even the US offices of Positive News. Recently a small "Peace and Justice Gift Shop" was opened, showcasing a wide array of progressive merchandise in the form of buttons, shirts, posters, and books.
Announcements
What do You find hopeful in the world today? Please contribute a short paragraph and be published in Positive News. We are currently selecting...
more >
The California Edition of Positive News is well on the way! We are looking for volunteers to help make it happen. To join our team contact...
more >
