By Secretary of Labor Tom Perez
US Department of Labor Blog, April 30, 2015
Secretary Perez took part in a Minimum Wage press conference on Capitol Hill where he was joined by Gina Schaefer, Owner, Ace Hardware stores, and Rupa, a licensed beautician who earns the minimum wage.
It’s been almost 8 years since Congress last raised the national minimum wage. This step is overdue. ...
In nearly two years as Labor Secretary, I’ve sat down with so many low-wage workers for whom every day involves struggle and sacrifice. For them, just a few more dollars an hour would mean a little more breathing room and peace of mind. Like the worker in Connecticut who has to choose between buying a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas. ...
But it’s not just workers who say raising the wage is needed. Many of the people who sign their paychecks are on board, too. They know that it’s good for the bottom line. It means better customer service, less turnover and increased productivity. Raising the national minimum wage means a level playing field for those businesses already paying higher wages, more customers all around and a fair day’s pay for all workers.
The President and I support these businesses and call on more to join them, just as we applaud the grass roots progress made by 17 states and cities around the country to raise their own minimum wages. But you shouldn’t have to live in the right state or have the right boss in order to get a fair day’s pay. ...