Minimum Wage Campaign Update April 2006

Young citizen calling for a raise in the minimum wage at Raise the Minimum Wage Coalition rally.

Minimum Wage Campaign Links: January 2006 Lobby Day June 5, 2006 Rally Minimum Wage Campaign History Slide Show May 25, 2005 rally April 2006 Update House OKs raising Pa. minimum wage

Pennsylvania Needs a Minimum Wage Increase

The state and federal minimum wages have not been raised since 1997. They are still set at $5.15 per hour. This is a disgrace in 2006 and it is time that state legislation be enacted to raise the minimum wage. With little hope of a federal increase, it is time for Harrisburg to act to protect Pennsylvania workers from exploitation.

The Raise the Minimum Wage Coalition has formed to work to enact a minimum wage increase to $7.15 per hour with a cost of living escalator. The Coalition is made up of unions, religious groups, social service, community, women's and non-profit organizations that have come together to fight for a statewide raise. We have held large rallies and lobby days in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, as well as Lebanon, Allentown and Altoona. We have also run radio ads in communities throughout the state focusing on getting a vote on a fair minimum wage bill. The State Senate has not allowed a single vote on minimum wage legislation in nine years. The House hasn't voted in over 4 years to provide a fair minimum wage.

John Meyerson of UFCW Local 1776 speaks at June 22, 2005 rally in the capitol rotunda.

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have raised their minimum wages, Maryland most recently having raised its minimum to $6.15 early this year. The adjoining states of New Jersey, New York and Delaware have also raised their state minimums. Several bills await a vote in the Pennsylvania State Legislature, some for less than $7.15. However, we believe that low-wage workers need a real increase, not an empty gesture after nine years without a raise. We need the full $7.15 and nothing in between. Such an increase would restore much of the purchasing power of the minimum wage and put a reasonable floor under wages for all workers. See Facts on Raising the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage for more information on the issue and the Coalition.

Read article: House OKs raising Pa. minimum wage