Fight for $15

July 29, 2013 Protestor

Minimum wage by state and territory vs federal

Map of US minimum wage by state

US minimum wage table

Timeline of federal minimum hourly wage for the United States (including inflation-adjusted). Congressional Research Service

Fight for $15 is a political movement advocating for the minimum wage in the United States to be raised to $15 per hour. The movement began in 2012, when fast-food workers in New York City walked off their jobs to demand higher wages and the right to form a union without retaliation. Since its inception, the Fight for $15 has expanded beyond the fast-food industry to include workers from various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and education, making it a broad-based campaign for economic justice and labor rights.

History

The Fight for $15 movement was initiated by 200 fast-food workers in New York City on November 29, 2012, under the banner of "Fast Food Forward," a campaign organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The workers demanded a $15 hourly wage and union representation, highlighting the difficulties of living on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The movement quickly gained momentum, with subsequent strikes and protests spreading to other cities across the United States.

Growth and Expansion

Over the years, the Fight for $15 has significantly impacted public opinion and policy at both the local and state levels. Several cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, have passed ordinances to gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Similarly, states like New York and California have adopted legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour statewide, benefiting millions of low-wage workers.

The movement has also influenced the national conversation on wages and workers' rights, with several 2020 Democratic presidential candidates endorsing the $15 minimum wage. In addition, the Fight for $15 has sparked discussions about the role of unions, workers' rights to collective bargaining, and the economic implications of raising the minimum wage.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its successes, the Fight for $15 has faced criticism and challenges. Opponents argue that a significant increase in the minimum wage could lead to job losses, increased automation, and higher prices for consumers. Some small business owners express concerns about the financial burden of higher wages on their operations.

Moreover, while the movement has achieved legislative victories in some states and cities, efforts to raise the minimum wage at the federal level have stalled, reflecting the political and ideological divisions surrounding this issue.

Impact

The Fight for $15 has had a profound impact on the labor movement and the broader fight for economic justice. It has brought attention to the struggles of low-wage workers and the growing issue of income inequality in the United States. By mobilizing workers and engaging the public, the movement has achieved significant wage increases for millions of workers and has shifted the national dialogue on fair wages and labor rights.

See Also

• Minimum wage in the United States
• Labor unions in the United States
• Income inequality in the United States