RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE

WHEREAS, minimum wage legislation was first introduced in the United States to address the rampant poverty in Depression-era America; and

WHEREAS, the United States has experienced continual inflation over the last 50 years (www.inflation.eu); and

WHEREAS, minimum wage workers in 1960 had almost double the buying power as minimum wage workers today (“Minimum Wage Mythbusters,”—www.dol.gov); and

WHEREAS, increasing the minimum wage reduces the need for government assistance programs; and

WHEREAS, restaurant workers and other workers who receive tips are paid below the minimum wage in many states; and

WHEREAS, cities that have increased the minimum wage have seen economic growth through expanding demand; and

WHEREAS, workers at the current minimum wage rarely escape from poverty:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will advocate for the passage of laws that raise the minimum wage for all workers to a living wage; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for federal changes so that workers who receive tips will have the same minimum wage as other workers.