IATSE Members Join Labor in Helping Raise CA Minimum Wage

Next Campaign to Focus on Senate

Thanks to the efforts of IA members and other union members throughout the state, California workers moved a step closer to gaining a raise in the state's minimum wage.

AB 2832 - sponsored by Assemblymember Sally Lieber (D-22nd) - passed the Assembly by a vote of 46-30 on May 26. The bill has moved onto the Senate where it's been sent to the Committee for RLS for assignment. The proposal would increase the state minimum wage from $6.75 to $7.75 over the next two years, will hit the Assembly Floor for a vote early next week.

The IATSE joined the California Federation of Labor to enlist members to fax and phone their representatives in the Assembly. Dozens of members responded and the Assembly voted in kind.

Once again, IA members have made their voices heard. Union leaders say this campaign is far from over, though. They indicate a fierce campaign in the Senate when this bill comes up for a vote.

The state minimum wage is currently well below the poverty level. A minimum wage that is below the poverty level pulls down wages for millions of workers in the state, including many union members. This costs taxpayers as well, since workers at corporations such as Wal-Mart are paid so badly that they are eligible for public assistance programs.

In fact, a report released May 20 by the University of California shows public assistance payments in California would drop $2.7 billion if the current group of public assistance recipients earned at least $8.00 per hour.

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