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NC Labor Unveils “Good-Jobs” Policy Agenda at Biennial Legislative Conference

Jeremy Sprinkle
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For Immediate Release: February 12, 2019

Contact: Jeremy Sprinkle, [email protected], 336-255-2711

North Carolina State AFL-CIO Unveils “Good-Jobs” Policy Agenda at Biennial Legislative Conference

Union Members to Lobby State Lawmakers on Raising the Minimum Wage and Employee Rest Breaks

Raleigh, NC -- Almost 150 labor leaders are expected to attend the North Carolina Labor Legislative Conference, which begins today in Raleigh. At the two-day conference, the North Carolina State AFL-CIO will unveil its Good-Jobs Agenda, a policy agenda that is rooted in the AFL-CIO Workers’ Bill of Rights, which holds that all working people are entitled to good, safe jobs with fair wages; quality healthcare; paid time off and flexible, predictable scheduling; freedom from discrimination; retirement with dignity; quality education; freedom to join together to address working conditions; and the right to have a voice in our democracy.

During the conference, union members will meet with lawmakers to discuss the labor movement’s two priorities for the 2019-2020 legislative session – raising the state minimum wage and guaranteeing employee rest breaks.

North Carolina’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for a decade. Unions of working people believe that no one should work full-time and still struggle to support their family, which is why the state labor federation supports gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour and tying it to inflation.

Everyone – whether they sit at a desk, work in a factory, or drive a truck – needs a rest break during the workday. That is why many people are surprised to learn that most employees are not entitled to work breaks under state law, even if they have been working for hours on end.

Tonight, the North Carolina State AFL-CIO will honor Representative Susan C. Fisher of Asheville with its 2019 “Friend of Working People” Award for her history of fighting to raise wages, expand Medicaid, and reinstate our Earned Income Tax Credit.

Tomorrow, Governor Roy Cooper is expected to deliver remarks at the Labor Legislative Conference about his vision for the new legislative session which attendees hope advances the Good-Jobs Agenda and puts working people first. Union members will leave the conference ready to organize locally to build public support for the Workers’ Bill of Rights, win over state lawmakers, and prepare for electing even more worker-friendly candidates in 2020.

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The North Carolina State AFL-CIO is the largest association of unions of working people in North Carolina, representing over a hundred thousand members, working together for good jobs, safe workplaces, workers’ rights, consumer protections, and quality public services on behalf of ALL working people. PO Box 10805, Raleigh, NC 27605.