Building Our $15 and a Union Now Movement

Whereas: There has been remarkable growth in the Fight for $15 movement since it was started by fast food workers in New York City in November of 2012, and 

Whereas: Observing that the movement to raise pay for workers, boost their purchasing power, and strengthen the economy has taken root in communities across United States and around the world, and 

Whereas: Recognizing that this movement is growing to include underpaid workers across the service sector such as grocery store workers, home care workers, hospital workers, adjunct professors, airport workers and others, and 

Whereas: Recognizing that other unions, faith organizations, student organizations, and community organizations are increasingly joining with us in a Fight for $15 movement, and 

Whereas: More and more workers are starting to fight for and win concrete victories, such as the $15/hour minimum wage in Seattle, and

Whereas: The power of organized labor is needed for low wage workers to win livable wages and the power and respect that comes through union organization.

Therefore, be it resolved: That the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will commit resources, and urge and its member unions and membership, to commit resources to a $15 and a Union Now movement based on organized union power by vigorously supporting the fight of the City Market workers of UE Local 203 for an immediate minimum wage of $15.