Fast Food Workers Victory: Harold Meyerson; Haiti update: Amy Wilentz; Black Writing: Gary Younge
Sep 14, 2023
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Harold Meyerson reports on California raising pay for fast food workers. Amy Wilentz reports on the news from Haiti. Gary Younge talks about Black writing and Black writers.
The victory for fast food workers in California, with a wage increase from $15.50 to $20 an hour, demonstrates the power of collective action and legislative support in combating low wages in the industry.
The progress and symbolism of Barack Obama's election did not lead to substantial improvements in the lives of black Americans, highlighting the enduring economic disparities and racial inequalities that persist.
Deep dives
The Fight for Fair Wages for Fast Food Workers in California
Recently, a significant development occurred in the fight for fair wages for fast food workers in California. Last year, a bill was passed to establish an official labor business board with the power to raise wages, particularly in the fast food industry. However, the industry quickly responded by spending millions on a ballot measure to overturn the law. In a strategic move, the workers and labor union behind the bill pushed for additional pro-worker legislation, forcing the industry to back off. As a result, a wage increase from $15.50 to $20 an hour for 550,000 fast food workers in California was agreed upon. This victory highlights the power of collective action and the importance of legislative support in combating low wages in the fast food industry.
Efforts to Improve Working Conditions and Unionization.
California's legislature has been particularly progressive in addressing worker issues and strengthening unions. Apart from the wage increase for fast food workers, there are ongoing efforts to raise wages for hospital support staffers and allow striking workers to qualify for unemployment insurance. These initiatives aim to improve the overall working conditions and empower workers to exercise their rights. The success of these efforts in California may serve as a model for other democratic-run states to pass similar legislation and exert pressure on corporations like McDonald's to respect workers' rights and allow them to unionize.
The Role of Symbolism and Material Progress during Obama's Presidency
The election and presidency of Barack Obama carried great symbolism, particularly for African Americans. However, it is important to recognize that while his presence in the Oval Office was historic, material progress for black Americans remained limited. Economic disparities and racial inequalities persisted and even widened during Obama's presidency. The optimism and hope associated with his election did not translate into substantial improvements in the lives of black Americans, highlighting the complexities of achieving true racial equality.
The Ongoing Struggle against Racism and the Trayvon Martin Case
The killing of Trayvon Martin, a young black teenager in Florida, underscored the ongoing struggle against racism and the pervasive fear experienced by black individuals in their own neighborhoods. President Obama's remark that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon brought attention to the racial dynamics surrounding the case. It exposed the reality that black boys and young men still face unwarranted suspicion, discrimination, and violence. Trayvon Martin's case and its aftermath demonstrate the enduring need for a collective fight against racism and the urgent necessity of dismantling systemic biases and prejudices.
Harold Meyerson reports on a major victory in the California state legislature that will raise pay for fast food workers from $15.50 to $20. Also: those Trump polls.
Plus: the news from Haiti, where the UN, with US support, is authorizing a new security force. Made up of mostly Kenyan troops, it's supposed to restore “law and order” in Port-au-Prince. The Nation's Amy Wilentz reports.
Also: Gary Younge, the award-winning former columnist for The Guardian, talks about Black writing and Black writers—and his own writing about Mandela, Obama, Trayvon Martin, and Claudette Colvin.
And Your Minnesota Moment: today, child labor violations in Mankato.
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