Issued May 19, 2015
WASHINGTON--Following the Los Angeles City Council's 14-1 vote to raise the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020, Mary Kay Henry, International President of the Service Employees International Union, issued the following statement:
Today is a day of inspiration for underpaid Americans, not just in Los Angeles but across the nation. The decision by Los Angeles City Council to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2020 is an enormous win for working men and women that will boost the city's economy and strengthen families. It's a move that will go a long way to ensuring that no one who works full-time lives in poverty.
"This victory was the result of a growing movement of working people standing up and raising their voices in the streets and at City Council meetings for months. To their credit, the city's elected officials listened, and as a result, L.A. is on the path to having an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
"Seattle, San Francisco, now Los Angeles, soon New York--the Fight for $15's momentum is undeniable. Our movement won't stop until everyone who works has the opportunity to provide for their families and live a decent life."
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