Barbara Ehrenreich, author of a new book on trying to live on a low-paying job, and Minnesota workers who face this daily struggle discuss their experiences Tuesday, May 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Paul Labor Centre, 411 Main St.

The program is free and open to the public.

Ehrenreich's new book, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, takes a look at the harsh reality of surviving on service-sector wages. She will give a first-person account of her experiences in working these jobs in Florida, Maine and Minnesota.

Then she will be joined by Minnesota workers who will tell their own stories of trying to raise and house families while holding low-wage jobs.

Also at the event, the JOBS NOW Coalition will release its latest report on what a family-supporting wage really means. 'The Cost of Living in Minnesota' breaks down in detail how large the gap is between what jobs pay and what families need to cover housing, food, health care, child care, transportation and other basic necessities.

Sponsors of the May 22 event include the JOBS NOW Coalition, the St. Paul Trades & Labor Assembly, the Jobs and Affordable Housing Campaign, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 789, Welfare Rights Committee, Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Local 17, Minnesota ACORN, Minnesota Farmers Union and the AFSCME locals at the University of Minnesota representing health care, clerical and technical workers.