We Need a $15/hour Minimum Wage in Minneapolis!

We believe all workers deserve a living wage, yet 42% of jobs in Minneapolis don’t pay enough to support a family. A $15/hour minimum wage will raise up all low-wage workers while squarely addressing our worst-in-the-nation racial inequities. Nearly 30% of Minneapolis families live in poverty, including 49% of Black households, 65% of American Indians, and 34% of Latinos. A $15/hour minimum wage will reduce poverty by 25% in Seattle, according to estimates. It’s time we take similar action here!

Momentum for $15 is growing fast. More and more low-wage workers are striking and protesting for “$15 and a union.” Fueled by widespread anger at income inequality, workers won a $15/hour minimum wage in Seattle and then San Francisco last year. These victories transformed the national debate and gave fresh confidence to workers. In January, a poll by HART Research Group found that 63% of Americans support a federal minimum wage of $15/hour.

With more money in the pockets of working people, studies show raising the minimum wage will fuel our local economy. As always, big business will roll out their tired arguments and unfounded fear tactics, claiming that wage hikes lead to job losses, or that businesses will flee the city. All serious studies and historic experience contradict these theories. We reject these race to the bottom arguments.

Let’s build a powerful movement for $15 in Minneapolis, inspiring similar campaigns across the Twin Cities metro area. Like in Seattle and San Francisco, a victory in Minneapolis will raise the confidence and expectations of workers everywhere.