Oregon Supports Working Families By Raising Minimum Wage
National and local pro-worker groups applaud three-tiered wage increase
02/19/16
NEW YORK CITY — The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) commended Oregon lawmakers for raising the state’s minimum wage to $14.75 per hour in Portland, $13.50 in smaller cities, and $12.50 in rural areas. The legislation increases the current statewide rate of $9.25 gradually over six years, topping out in 2022. The higher standard will help lift millions out of poverty around the state.
Oregon follows a long line of states and cities that have raised wages over the past year, prompted by growing popular concerns and a burgeoning worker-led movement. In the coming year, 14 states and four municipalities are expected to launch ballot initiatives and legislative measures to increase wages.
The Center for Popular Democracy, a national pro-worker coalition, has helped lead the fight for higher wages in Oregon alongside with PCUN (also known as Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United).
JoEllen Chernow, Director of CPD’s Minimum Wage campaign, released the following statement:
“The working families of Oregon badly need a raise that lets them put food on the table, put more money in their pockets, and put themselves on the road to a better future. We hope that this vote will spur states around the country to follow in Oregon’s footsteps and provide workers and their families with a better standard of living.”
PCUN President Ramón Ramírez also released the following statement:
“Today, Oregon lawmakers stand in solidarity with the workers that are the backbone of our state. They recognized what we’ve known for years: Oregon’s minimum wage is not a living wage, and our workers need better. This victory is proof of the growing strength workers have fought for in Oregon and beyond, and we will continue to fight until every Oregonian has equal to the opportunities they deserve.”
The Center for Popular Democracy promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda.
Contact:
Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-2442
Anita Jain, ajain@populardemocracy.org, 347-636-9761
