Workers Across the Nation Sound Alarm in Democratic Controlled States: Protect Wages and Vulnerable Families Before Trump Administration Dismantles Worker Rights

On Wednesday, November 20th at 11:00 AM, workers, fair wage advocates, labor leaders, and community allies in Michigan, Illinois, and New York will gather at their respective state legislatures and governors’ offices in a coordinated effort to demand bold action to protect workers’ rights and address wage inequities.

Tipped service workers are calling on Democratic leaders in blue states to act decisively, as the National Restaurant Association has pledged to work with President-elect Donald Trump to reverse Biden-era protections for tipped workers. These protections include regulations that prohibit corporations from paying tipped workers a subminimum wage for non-tip-earning tasks. Reports that Trump is considering former Carl’s Jr. CEO Andy Puzder—his 2016 nominee for Secretary of Labor who was not confirmed due to allegations of sexual harassment and domestic violence—further underscore the threat. During his previous administration, Trump attempted to pass regulations that would make tips the property of employers. The National Restaurant Association has promised to revive these efforts under the new Trump administration, threatening to roll back critical rights for service workers.

Participants will deliver a powerful open letter calling on Democratic leaders to pass legislation raising the minimum wage and eliminating subminimum wages for tipped and low-wage workers. To demonstrate solidarity and provide immediate relief during the holiday season, workers and advocates will host food giveaways to support struggling families, underscoring the urgency of their demands in the face of continued inaction from elected officials.

This national effort, led by One Fair Wage, highlights the critical need for Democratic-controlled states to protect vulnerable workers against the incoming Trump administration’s anti-worker agenda and ongoing affordability crisis. Workers in all three states will rally to demand Democratic leaders in blue states act boldly on behalf of working families and eliminate the two-tiered wage system that disproportionately impacts women, communities of color and immigrant communities

“Workers in blue states are raising their voices because they cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Saru Jayaraman, Co-Founder and President of One Fair Wage. “With a cost-of-living crisis squeezing families and an anti-worker Trump administration on the horizon, Democratic leaders must act boldly to protect workers and provide economic security. If they fail to prioritize wages and worker protections, they risk losing the trust—and the votes—of the very people they need to win.”

Workers’ Message to Democratic Leaders

Advocates and workers are issuing a stark warning to Democratic lawmakers: failing to act decisively to address the cost-of-living crisis and wage inequities will have political consequences.

“Last week’s electoral results made one thing clear: voters overwhelmingly prioritize wages and affordability,” said Jayaraman. “Democrats must act now to protect workers and show that they are fighting for the people who need them most. Ignoring these demands will lead to alienated voters and further political losses.”

The open letter amplifies voices from workers across the political spectrum—some who voted for Trump, others for Harris, those who split their votes, and many who sat out the election entirely. Their unified message to Democratic leaders: act decisively, or face the consequences.

Coordinated Actions in Three States

In Michigan, workers will call on Governor Whitmer to uphold the state Supreme Court’s decision to raise the minimum wage and eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers.
In Illinois, advocates will push for statewide legislation to build on Chicago’s historic wage reforms and extend fair wages to all workers. In New York, participants will urge Governor Hochul to prioritize One Fair Wage legislation during the special session, particularly to safeguard tipped and immigrant workers from the looming anti-worker policies of the incoming Trump administration. Workers in all three states are rallying behind the One Fair Wage petition, calling on lawmakers to eliminate subminimum wages, address economic instability, and provide meaningful wage increases for struggling families.

WHO:

• Workers, advocates, and community allies across Michigan, Illinois, and New York

WHAT:

• Delivery of worker demands to state legislative and Governor’s offices
• Solidarity turkey giveaways for struggling families let down by elected officials

WHEN:

• Wednesday, November 20th at 11:00 AM

WHERE:

• Michigan: State of Michigan office in Detroit; 3054 West Grand Blvd., Suite 3-600, Detroit
• Illinois: Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL - Lincoln Steps
• New York: NYC Governor’s Office - 633 3rd Ave 38th floor, New York, NY 10017