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Supporters of a $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis plan a massive turnout at City Hall next Thursday, June 22, for a public hearing on the issue.
The City Council has drafted a proposal to raise the wage to $15 an hour for every worker in the city, to be phased in over the next five years. A public hearing is set for 3:30 p.m., June 22, with a final vote likely on Friday, June 30.
Supporters plan to gather at 3 p.m. and pack the Council chambers.
A majority of Council members have indicated their support for a higher wage. Their action comes after years of organizing by low-wage workers to improve their standard of living. Last year, workers succeeded in getting the Council to pass an ordinance guaranteeing earned sick and safe time.
“With the City of Minneapolis facing some of the worst racial disparities in our nation, we need to ensure that every worker gets to $15 as soon as possible with no tip penalty, no carve outs for youth and strong enforcement to prevent wage theft,” said CTUL, a Minneapolis-based worker center that has been in the forefront of the effort.
An increase from the current $9.50 state-mandated minimum wage to $15 an hour would give a raise to 71,000 workers, disproportionately workers of color, immigrant and female workers, CTUL said. “The City of Minneapolis’ economic impact study confirms that $15 would give a massive stimulus to the local economy and help reduce food insecurity.”
If it becomes law, Minneapolis would join other communities that have raised the minimum wage, including New York, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
For a timeline on the campaign for the $15 wage, see the CTUL website.