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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
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Jasmine Nazarett (202) 637-5018

California Poised to Make History for Working People

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the California State Legislature introduction of a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour:

Millions of working people in California and across the nation want an economy that will raise wages for working people. The governor and legislative leaders have listened and are poised to make California the first state to implement a $15-an-hour minimum wage. The bill will improve the lives of nearly six million working people, about one third of the state's workforce. This legislation shows the true power of working people when we stand together for change. We encourage California leaders to pass this legislation without delay and for all other states to have the same courage to stand with working people.

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) works tirelessly to improve the lives of working people. We are the democratic, voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions that represent 12.5 million working men and women.