A movement sparked by New York City workers has made its way global … and upstate.
Earlier this month, a group of Western New Yorkers (and members of 1199SEIU) went to Albany to testify in front of the New York Legislature’s Budget Committee on Workforce Development about their desire to have the state minimum wage raised to $15 an hour.
“I’m afraid for the future of my residents,” said Tracy Hatch, a CNA at Absolut Care and Rehab in Houghton, N.Y., in a statement. “Why would someone choose to do this work and carry such a heavy responsibility for such low pay? Even with the desire, people are forced to make the decision between their residents and their families.”
Nursing home workers (members of 1199) linked up with the Upstate Fight for $15 Coalition, including fast-food, retail and other low-wage workers. Many of the workers traveled for hours by bus to make their way to the state capital and talk with local reporters and legislators.
“Working over 60 hours a week, we hardly ever see our kids,” said Daisy Gascon, another Absolut Care and Rehab employee, in a statement. “We rely on the older ones to raise the younger ones. $15 would mean that we would get to spend some much-needed family time together. And maybe even get to take a vacation.”
Gascon wasn’t able to make it to Albany to testify, but she wanted to get her point across.
Not to be outdone, 1199 caregivers, activists and local officials from Syracuse, N.Y., held a rally earlier this month, pushing for state legislators to pass a $15 minimum wage for all workers by the end of March. Held on the city’s south side at the People’s AME Zion Church, workers and officials provided testimony to the converted hoping that others will listen.
“It’s not algebra, it’s a simple equation,” said Tasha Cooper, a CNA at Utica’s Focus Rehab. “We aren’t asking for handouts, we’re willing to work hard. We just need to be paid a living wage so we can take care of our families and our responsibilities.”
“I know it’s not easy to get up here and speak, especially on a topic that is so personal,” said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner. “But it is important that you continue to speak out and tell your story. If you do not, there will be no justice.” Miner also pointed out the high poverty and joblessness rates in the region as reasons for a raise in the minimum wage.
Among the speakers at the rally, Sharon Owens, who runs Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility, wanted to remind people why the minimum wage is important.
“Let’s equip our people to raise their families. Healthy children live in households where the adults in those houses are confident that they can pay their rent, pay their mortgage, put food on the table, keep the heat on,” stated Owens. “People don’t want to come to our community center to get food. People don’t want to come because they need a coat. People don’t want to come and feel like they are getting a handout. They want to take care of themselves.”