$15/ Hour and Hiring Set Asides

$15 / Hour and Hiring Set Asides

On February 23, 2016 the Worcester Community Labor Coalition held a rally outside of Worcester City Hall. It was building support for its demands regarding the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program.

 Some of the demands are that there be a minimum wage of $15 for workers and a set aside for workers living in Worcester area. Another demand is a compliance with equal opportunity and affirmative active regulations.

Between 50 and 80 people attended the spirited rally. Present were members of several organizations such as the EPOCA, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Neighbor to Neighbor, Socialist Alternative, and the Progressive Labor Party. Local politicians also came, State Senator Dan Donahue, State Senator Jim O’Day, and City Coucillor Sarai Rivera.

                              

Afterward the ralliers moved to the City Council Chamber to urge the Economic Development Committee of the  to adopt as policy the demands. Surprisingly the Committee adopted a policy that seemed to incorporate the minimum wage and hiring set asides. Most people saw this as a victory for the Worcester Community Labor Coalition.

Some people felt that it was not clear to them what the Committee had accepted for approval by  City Council as there are no minutes available. The report going to City Council has not been written.  As many have said it is not a contract until it is in writing.

After the vote there was some push back against the demands of the Worcester Community Labor Coalition by conservative talk radio host Jordan Levy on January 24, 2016 who felt the demands were “anti business”. It seems possible the issue will be debated at the next City Council meeting.

It certainly makes sense to have hiring set asides for Worcester residents and for affirmative action. It makes sense to have good pay and safe working conditions.

I hope Committee adopting these reforms for the TIFs is not another broken promise or a façade for the business as usual.