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Rally to raise the minimum wage.
The minimum wage has stayed the same, while the cost of living has increased significantly. Advocates for a minimum wage of $15 an hour have been lobbying lawmakers for several years now. The federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25. Since 2009, the cost of living in the United States has increased by 20%, and the cost of essentials like housing and healthcare have grown at higher rates (CNN). Currently, the median living wage in the United States is $67,690 (Insider). For reference, if the minimum wage were to be increased to $15 an hour, the annual wage would add up to $30,000. Employers are also permitted to pay subminimum wages to employees who have disabilities (DOL).
TAKE ACTION
Join the Fight for $15 in your state. If you make less than $15/hour, you can sign the petition and learn more about going on strike on the organization's website.
Read about the racial inequities of Labor Day, and how Black, Latino, Asian and other workers of color workers of color have historically been left out of the movement.
GET EDUCATED
By Nia Norris (she/her)
The minimum wage has stayed the same, while the cost of living has increased significantly. Advocates for a minimum wage of $15 an hour have been lobbying lawmakers for several years now. The federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25. Since 2009, the cost of living in the United States has increased by 20%, and the cost of essentials like housing and healthcare have grown at higher rates (CNN). Currently, the median living wage in the United States is $67,690 (Insider). For reference, if the minimum wage were to be increased to $15 an hour, the annual wage would add up to $30,000. Employers are also permitted to pay subminimum wages to employees who have disabilities (DOL).
On January 26th, Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour nationwide by 2025. They attempted to pass the same legislation in 2019, but the Republican-controlled Senate blocked it. (CNBC). Advocates of this bill cited a report from the Economic Policy Institute and the University of California Berkeley, which found that an increased minimum wage would not only lower government spending on public assistance but would also increase tax revenue (Politico). Currently, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour has been bundled into the new coronavirus relief package (NY Times).
Workers with disabilities have it harder, often working for programs called “sheltered workshops” that pay workers who have disabilities a subminimum wage, many earning only $3.34 an hour (NPR). The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report recommending that the subminimum wage be abolished entirely (USCCR). There have also been multiple federal bills attempting to abolish the subminimum wage for workers who have disabilities, but all have failed to pass. At a state level, Vermont, Alaska, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Oregon have abolished the subminimum wage (NPR).
People of color disproportionately earn poverty wages as compared to white people. Black workers are 1.5 times as likely to make poverty wages as white workers, and Hispanic workers are 2.2 times as likely (EPI). Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour would increase the wages of 38.1%of Black people as compared to 23.2%of white people. Black and Hispanic workers are also significantly more likely to experience minimum wage violations (Equitable Growth). Black Americans are also overrepresented in the tipped employee workforce, where the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $2.13 an hour for over 25 years (Georgetown Poverty). A study has shown that consumers discriminate against people of color while eating out, tipping them at a lower rate (Wiley Online Library).
Raising the minimum wage is also key to increasing housing affordability. The National Low Income Housing Coalition published a report in 2020 called Out of Reach, documenting the gap between wages and housing. On average, a full-time worker needs to earn an hourly rate of $23.96 to afford the cost of a modest two-bedroom rental. In 11 states, this rate is more than $25 an hour (NIHC).
As a result, there are racial disparities in renting and ownership. In the U.S., 73.3% of White, non-Hispanic people own homes, but only 42.1% of Black people do (USA Facts). Black people who do own their homes also pay more for their mortgages. Black borrowers have an average mortgage rate of 4.62%compared to a mortgage rate of 4.3%for white borrowers (BankRate).
Since Black people have the highest rate of disability, the subminimum wage also has a disproportionate impact (National Disability Institute). Large employers, such as Goodwill Industries, use the subminimum wage to pay workers with disabilities significantly less. The Raise the Wage Act in Congress would also raise the minimum wage for workers who have disabilities (Vox).
Raising the minimum wage would reduce poverty among Americans, particularly people of color and workers who have disabilities. It would increase accessibility to housing and other necessities. It would also prohibit employers from paying substandard wages to people with disabilities and combat racism toward Black employees that rely on tips. The fight for equity must begin with combating economic racism in the United States.
Key Takeaways
The minimum wage has not increased with the cost of living. The federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $7.25 an hour since 2009, while the cost of living has risen by 20%.
Black workers are overrepresented in the tipped employee workforce, which has a federal minimum wage of only $2.13 an hour. Tipped employees are more likely to live in poverty, and there have been studies indicating racial discrimination in tipping practices by consumers.
Employers of disabled workers, such as sheltered workshops, are not required to pay a minimum wage at all, and Black people experience disability at a higher rate than white people.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
Subscribe on Patreon | Give one-time on PayPal | Venmo @nicoleacardoza
Rally for fair labor.
In July, 19 workers at Chicago fast food chain Portillo’s self-organized a seven day strike against unfairly low pay and worker mistreatment. Unlike most strikes, the workers started the work stoppage on their own with just the help of a local nonprofit, Arise Chicago. The employees who participated in the strike were all Latino, and the majority of them had been with the company for over ten years. The workers involved had been attempting to get a resolution on workplace issues with management for four years (In These Times).
TAKE ACTION
Donate to Arise Chicago, the organization that helped striking Portillo’s workers.
Learn about the connection between workers’ rights and racial justice.
Support a pay increase for fast food workers across the country.
GET EDUCATED
By Nia Norris (she/her)
Latino workers have been a part of the labor movement since its inception. My great-grandmother was a Black immigrant from Panama who worked extensively in the garment industry to improve labor standards and was also a union organizer in Africa (Jacobin). Although many of the early labor unions excluded minority workers, there are also many Latino voices who are celebrated in labor history including César Chávez and the United Farm Workers of America (History). Last month, Latino workers won another huge labor victory in the Chicago suburbs. It isn’t just coincidental that these were low-wage workers who happened to be Latino. Latino workers (particularly those who are immigrants) are disproportionately represented in dangerous jobs. Latino workers have the highest occupational fatality rate out of all groups in the United States (PRB). Racism determines who works which jobs, and under which conditions. But victories like those resulting from a historic three-week strike at a Frito-Lays plant in Topeka show that workers acting together can win (CNN).
In July, 19 workers at Chicago fast food chain Portillo’s self-organized a seven day strike against unfairly low pay and worker mistreatment. Unlike most strikes, the workers started the work stoppage on their own with just the help of a local nonprofit, Arise Chicago. The employees who participated in the strike were all Latino, and the majority of them had been with the company for over ten years. The workers involved had been attempting to get a resolution on workplace issues with management for four years (In These Times).
The final straw for the workers was that management was not replacing employees who left the company, instead expecting the remaining workers to do the jobs of two people. This created an unsafe working environment. The company was also offering only a $0.25 to $0.35 raise to employees although the company itself was not losing money to the pandemic.
Margarita Valenzuela Klein, the director of member organizing at Arise Chicago, spoke with ARD about the remarkable strike. According to Klein, “It was workers without a union who made the decision to walk out. They called on us [for our assistance] after they walked out.”
Klein said, “We explained to them under the law what their protections are, and what a certain activity means. If two or more employees decide to do something to better their working conditions, they are protected by the law. The more you do, the more protections you have.” Arise Chicago also provided the workers with media contacts for press conferences, signs that they could use to post their demands publicly, and explained “the ABCs of a picket line,” said Klein.
This worker-organized work stoppage was a huge success. Workers won raises ranging from $.1.60 to $2.60 an hour. The company also hired more workers to do the job. These results are incredible for the fast food industry, an industry that is notorious for exploiting minority workers who receive very low pay and often work in poor conditions.
A report by the Labor Center of UC Berkeley found that 73% of fast food workers in Los Angeles were Latino workers (UC Berkeley). Fast food work has always been low pay and comes with high rates of workplace harassment. COVID-19 has made conditions even worse. Fast food workers are almost never unionized, and most attempts by restaurant workers to unionize have been shut down (PBS). Food service workers have historically had very little collective bargaining power. They are often treated by their employers as disposable workers, however the COVID-19 crisis has somewhat shifted the power to the employees as employers grapple with a labor shortage that spans the entire service industry (NYT).
Latino people in the U.S. have historically been leaders in the union movement. Workers’ rights icon César Chávez facilitated the unionization of grape pickers in Delano, California in 1965 by organizing a strike that lasted for five years. This strike led to the creation of the United Farm Workers of America. Salvadoran and Guatemalan immigrants fleeing U.S.-sponsored Dirty Wars in their home countries (TruthOut) included veteran community organizers whose skills “revived” the American labor movement (The Counter).
This is what is so commendable about the Portillo’s strike: although it’s no secret that restaurant workers are treated poorly, these workers were able to organize and get the results that they sought. They were able to use their collective bargaining power to create a safer workplace and a badly-needed pay increase. With employers everywhere moaning that “no one wants to work anymore,” perhaps they should consider that people are no longer willing to work in poor conditions for low pay. Instead, we need to reimagine the food service industry as one that supports the humanity of its workers instead of exploiting minorities for a profit.
Key Takeaways
Latino employees are disproportionately represented in the fast food industry.
An already abusive and underpaid work environment, fast food workers have been particularly vulnerable in the COVID-19 pandemic and should be compensated accordingly.
All workers have certain protections through labor laws that allow them to organize for fair working conditions.
Raise the minimum wage.
The minimum wage has stayed the same, while the cost of living has increased significantly. Advocates for a minimum wage of $15 an hour have been lobbying lawmakers for several years now. The federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25. Since 2009, the cost of living in the United States has increased by 20%, and the cost of essentials like housing and healthcare have grown at higher rates (CNN). Currently, the median living wage in the United States is $67,690 (Insider). For reference, if the minimum wage were to be increased to $15 an hour, the annual wage would add up to $30,000. Employers are also permitted to pay subminimum wages to employees who have disabilities (DOL).
Happy Tuesday, and welcome back to the Anti-Racism Daily. I'm writing from Austin, TX, with no power or heat. If you're in the parts of the U.S. affected by the snowstorm, I hope you're safe and warm!
Today, fast-food workers across the country will walk out in protest, hoping to push through a minimum-wage raise to benefit tens of millions. The #Fightfor15 is critical; a recent study indicated that 7M Americans would be affected by the increase, and that 900,000 would be lifted out of poverty at a time when low-wage workers – and especially people of color – have suffered most during the pandemic. Let's help rally for Congress to pass an increased minimum wage, and for corporations to make the same decision.
Thank you all for your contributions! This newsletter is made possible by our subscribers. Consider giving $7/month on Patreon. Or you can give one-time on our website or PayPal. You can also support us by joining our curated digital community.
Nicole
TAKE ACTION
Sign the petition to urge Congress to increase the minimum wage to $15.
Sign the petition urging Mcdonald’s to increase the minimum wage.
Advocate for fair wages at your place of employment.
GET EDUCATED
By Nia Norris (she/her)
The minimum wage has stayed the same, while the cost of living has increased significantly. Advocates for a minimum wage of $15 an hour have been lobbying lawmakers for several years now. The federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25. Since 2009, the cost of living in the United States has increased by 20%, and the cost of essentials like housing and healthcare have grown at higher rates (CNN). Currently, the median living wage in the United States is $67,690 (Insider). For reference, if the minimum wage were to be increased to $15 an hour, the annual wage would add up to $30,000. Employers are also permitted to pay subminimum wages to employees who have disabilities (DOL).
On January 26th, Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour nationwide by 2025. They attempted to pass the same legislation in 2019, but the Republican-controlled Senate blocked it. (CNBC). Advocates of this bill cited a report from the Economic Policy Institute and the University of California Berkeley, which found that an increased minimum wage would not only lower government spending on public assistance but would also increase tax revenue (Politico). Currently, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour has been bundled into the new coronavirus relief package (NY Times).
Workers with disabilities have it harder, often working for programs called “sheltered workshops” that pay workers who have disabilities a subminimum wage, many earning only $3.34 an hour (NPR). The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report recommending that the subminimum wage be abolished entirely (USCCR). There have also been multiple federal bills attempting to abolish the subminimum wage for workers who have disabilities, but all have failed to pass. At a state level, Vermont, Alaska, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Oregon have abolished the subminimum wage (NPR).
People of color disproportionately earn poverty wages as compared to white people. Black workers are 1.5 times as likely to make poverty wages as white workers, and Hispanic workers are 2.2 times as likely (EPI). Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour would increase the wages of 38.1%of Black people as compared to 23.2%of white people. Black and Hispanic workers are also significantly more likely to experience minimum wage violations (Equitable Growth). Black Americans are also overrepresented in the tipped employee workforce, where the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $2.13 an hour for over 25 years (Georgetown Poverty). A study has shown that consumers discriminate against people of color while eating out, tipping them at a lower rate (Wiley Online Library).
Raising the minimum wage is also key to increasing housing affordability. The National Low Income Housing Coalition published a report in 2020 called Out of Reach, documenting the gap between wages and housing. On average, a full-time worker needs to earn an hourly rate of $23.96 to afford the cost of a modest two-bedroom rental. In 11 states, this rate is more than $25 an hour (NIHC).
As a result, there are racial disparities in renting and ownership. In the U.S., 73.3% of White, non-Hispanic people own homes, but only 42.1% of Black people do (USA Facts). Black people who do own their homes also pay more for their mortgages. Black borrowers have an average mortgage rate of 4.62%compared to a mortgage rate of 4.3%for white borrowers (BankRate).
Since Black people have the highest rate of disability, the subminimum wage also has a disproportionate impact (National Disability Institute). Large employers, such as Goodwill Industries, use the subminimum wage to pay workers with disabilities significantly less. The Raise the Wage Act in Congress would also raise the minimum wage for workers who have disabilities (Vox).
Raising the minimum wage would reduce poverty among Americans, particularly people of color and workers who have disabilities. It would increase accessibility to housing and other necessities. It would also prohibit employers from paying substandard wages to people with disabilities and combat racism toward Black employees that rely on tips. The fight for equity must begin with combating economic racism in the United States.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The minimum wage has not increased with the cost of living. The federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $7.25 an hour since 2009, while the cost of living has risen by 20%.
Black workers are overrepresented in the tipped employee workforce, which has a federal minimum wage of only $2.13 an hour. Tipped employees are more likely to live in poverty, and there have been studies indicating racial discrimination in tipping practices by consumers.
Black people are less likely to be homeowners, and Black borrowers who do own homes pay more for their mortgages than white borrowers.
Employers of disabled workers, such as sheltered workshops, are not required to pay a minimum wage at all, and Black people experience disability at a higher rate than white people.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
Subscribe on Patreon | Give one-time on PayPal | Venmo @nicoleacardoza
Support the Indian farmers’ protest.
In November 2020, tens of thousands of farmers and their families took to the streets and blocked highways across India to invoke a national strike. The news about the passing of three new agricultural laws hit the fan, and just as fast as rumors travel, farmers of more than 250 million people from the northern states crowded the capital city. They joined together in a protest to fight against the Indian government and their ideas for the future of farming in India.
Happy Sunday, and welcome back to the Anti-Racism Daily! We touched on the importance of labor unions in last week's newsletter on BAmazon. I thought today's article on the legacy of César Chávez, written by Charlie, adds timely context for that conversation. I hope you enjoy learning more!
Thank you all for your support. This newsletter is made possible by our subscribers. Consider subscribing for $7/month on Patreon. Or you can give one-time on our website or PayPal. You can also support us by joining our curated digital community.
Nicole
Ps – be sure to sign up for 28 Days of Black History.
TAKE ACTION
Learn more about the recent laws enacted last September.
Follow reporting from journalists and leaders like Sandeep Singh, Asis Kaur, and Sikhexpo for updates.
Raise awareness on social media and in real life using resources in this newsletter – and by following hashtags such as #StandWithFarmers and #FarmersProtest.
GET EDUCATED
By Kashea McCowan (she/her)
In November 2020, tens of thousands of farmers and their families took to the streets and blocked highways across India to invoke a national strike. The news about the passing of three new agricultural laws hit the fan, and just as fast as rumors travel, farmers of more than 250 million people from the northern states crowded the capital city. They joined together in a protest to fight against the Indian government and their ideas for the future of farming in India.
Unlike most farming communities in the United States who thrive off of large agribusiness corporations and massive farms, India is the complete opposite and works on a much smaller scale. The vast majority of India’s farmers own fewer than three acres of land. Though there are many small farms in India, many of them are struggling to make ends meet. However, that fact doesn’t take away from the huge impact those farmers have on the livelihoods of those around them.
The agricultural sector in India makes up nearly fifteen percent of the country’s $2.9 trillion economy and employs around half of its 1.3 billion people—approximately more than 600 million workers—which is almost twice the entire population of the United States (CNN). This is possible because, for decades, they have sold their produce in their home state’s government-sanctioned markets that guarantee minimum prices on several key commodities. This all changed in September 2020 when Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, passed the new farming laws that will change the way the agricultural industry does business. These modifications will change the way crops are to be produced, stored, and sold. The laws include The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act (India Today).
Some farmers such as Sukhdev Singh feel like these measures only will benefit large corporations thus opening the door for private players to play a much bigger role. The result will lead to the loss of decades-old concessions, and most of the farmers will be left to fend for themselves, furthermore, pushing them into poverty at the mercy of the free market (BBC News).
“These laws will have an affect on anyone who eats,” Singh says. “They will buy from us for very low prices and we will lose our livelihoods” (Al Jazeera).
With boiling fear, farmers swarmed into the heart of the capital of New Delhi. Standing their ground, millions of agricultural workers prepared for a month on end protest against the government and their antics. Beginning as a non-violent protest, India’s farmers joined together making their opposition known by blocking the roads that lead up to the capital. Just a couple of weeks ago, the heat escalated and turned violent when protestors confronted police officers and began charging a procession of tractors onto the streets. They were met with tear gas, massive concrete barriers, and the government cut off all access to the internet, electricity, and water supplies (CBSN). More than 120 people were arrested, and farm union leaders were charged with sedition and rioting.
Today, it is evident that the farmers are determined to dismantle these newly imposed agricultural laws. For however long it takes, millions of farmers and their families have decided to leave the comforts of their homes and live on the streets (PBS News Hour). They have even erected thousands of iron nails on some of the roads to keep the police from invading. These farmers are dedicated to making prime minister Modi and his government uncomfortable to the point that he has a change of heart. Modi states in an interview that he will not change his mind about the new laws but will delay them for the next eighteen months.
To further push the protest along, protestors have found ways to make their stay at the capital a part of their daily lives. Medical booths are being set up to tend to the sick, and tons of water-filled tanks brought in on tractors are provided to supply people with water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. The old and young are cooking in community kitchens and serving meals, and even a makeshift mall, a roadside market, with people selling items like coats and jackets is available (CNN).
The Indian government is determined to force farmers back to their lands with closed mouths, but this revolt—as it were—shows how prime minister Modi and his crew are worried about just how far these protests will go. But these farmers aren’t giving up their demands; some are prepared to wait it out for years, if need be.
Being in the United States, you may feel that there is little you can do, but standing with those adamant supporters and howling as loudly as you can, along with those farmers, will help get the attention of those higher-ups. Stand against those big businesses and corporations looking to profit from the small man they see as dispensable. And, like the farmers, stand firm and be unmovable until those unfair agricultural laws are repealed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Farmers are protesting against the newly imposed agricultural laws that are set up to benefit corporations and private players.
The agricultural sector in India makes up nearly fifteen percent of the country’s $2.9 trillion economy and employs around half of its 1.3 billion people, approximately 600 million workers.
The laws affect the way crops are produced, stored, and sold.
To further push the protest along, protestors have found ways to make their stay at the capital a part of their daily lives while putting a foot down on their demands.
RELATED ISSUES
1/17/2020 | Support Black farmers.
8/16/2020 | Think before eating out at restaurants.
8/31/2020 | Condemn colorism.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
Subscribe on Patreon | Give one-time on PayPal | Venmo @nicoleacardoza
Remember César Chávez.
As President Biden transitions to life in the White House, he’s responsible for controlling the imagery that will set the tone for the next four years. His Oval Office overhaul removed an Andrew Jackson portrait but added a bust of Latino union hero César Chávez (Washington Post). Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist, described it as a “healing moment” (NPR). The significance of this moment, and its urgency today, may have been lost on those unfamiliar with the work of César Chávez. Here’s a bit of context.
Happy Sunday, and welcome back to the Anti-Racism Daily! We touched on the importance of labor unions in last week's newsletter on BAmazon. I thought today's article on the legacy of César Chávez, written by Charlie, adds timely context for that conversation. I hope you enjoy learning more!
Thank you all for your support. This newsletter is made possible by our subscribers. Consider subscribing for $7/month on Patreon. Or you can give one-time on our website or PayPal. You can also support us by joining our curated digital community.
Nicole
Ps – be sure to sign up for 28 Days of Black History.
TAKE ACTION
In case you missed it, read last week’s article on unionization efforts at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama for specifics of how employers attempt to suppress union organizations.
Use this website to write your local representative to help pass the PRO Act, a piece of workers’ rights legislation that would ensure workers’ rights to organize without fear of retribution.
It’s hard to eat entirely ethically, but take the time to learn where your food comes from. If you can, buy fair trade foods and avoid brands like Driscoll’s that have been routinely boycotted (KSBY).
GET EDUCATED
By Charlie Lahud-Zahner (he/him)
As President Biden transitions to life in the White House, he’s responsible for controlling the imagery that will set the tone for the next four years. His Oval Office overhaul removed an Andrew Jackson portrait but added a bust of Latino union hero César Chávez (Washington Post). Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist, described it as a “healing moment” (NPR). The significance of this moment, and its urgency today, may have been lost on those unfamiliar with the work of César Chávez. Here’s a bit of context.
César (pronounced “say-zar”) Chávez was born in Yuma, Arizona in 1927. His parents were migrant farmworkers, and Chávez, working alongside his parents, changed schools 38 times before eighth grade (SA Current). Unable to attend high school, Chávez worked the fields in rural California, where his family had moved in 1939. There, he was introduced to labor organizing by Donald McDonnel (a priest) and Fred Ross, a part of the Community Service Organization, a labor activist group (HISTORY).
Through the Community Service Organization, Chávez met Dolores Huerta. Together, they formed the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in 1962. In 1965 the NFWA famously joined an ongoing strike started by Filipino farmworkers at the Delano vineyards. They organized to protest low pay and dangerous working conditions, leading a series of boycotts on grapes, workers strikes, and a 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento. Finally, In 1970, the newly christened United Farm Workers (UFW) were a formally recognized union (UFW). For migrant and minority workers in California often exploited by their employers, the UFW and Chávez were much-needed symbols of collective power.
Chávez was a follower of both Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr and was committed to both non-violent protesting and fasting as a form of protest. As the organization grew, the organization was often met with violence and assault. Some members wanted to respond in the same way. To demonstrate his commitment to nonviolent protesting, Chávez fasted for 25 days– losing 35 pounds in the process. His fasts gained media attention, and his breaking of the fast was even attended by Robert Kennedy (UFW). Said Chávez:
“
It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. The truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men.
César Chávez
Though Chávez is remembered as the face of the UFW, Huerta, who served as vice-president from 1965 to 1999, was its spiritual and organizing force. Let it be known that Huerta was the one who came up with “¡Sí Se Puede!” (Yes we can!) and that today she is still revered as a civil rights icon. Chávez and Huerta would go on to spearhead numerous movements, including an international table grape boycott in 1984 protesting the use of pesticides and successful campaigns to improve pay in the states of Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida (HISTORY)
It’s difficult to overstate the influence and legacy of Chávez, especially in California. He’s a hero, a people’s champion whose legend has turned him into a deity of Mexican-American activism. His face is on countless murals across the country, and the UFW flag has grown beyond a representation of worker’s rights to a symbol of inspiration and unity for Latines across the country (TakePart). Even the LA rock band Chicano Batman’s name is based on the famous black eagle silhouette on the red background (Guardian).
The prevailing stereotypes of American Latines are that we’re uneducated, poor, or just plain dirty. Brown Pig-Pens with sombreros working in hot, dusty fields. In contrast, the UFW flag and images of Chávez offer pride in the face of discrimination and racism. In Oakland (where I live), the UFW flag is tagged under bridges, painted on tiles, and even plastered on the corner store where I buy late-night iced tea.
The inclusion of a Chávez bust in the Oval Office potentially signals the Biden’s administration’s commitment to working with Latine labor groups and immigration activists. It could be a shallow performance to gain Latine support. Still, given Biden’s efforts to reverse Trump-era legislation and ensuring temporary foreign farm workers (those with H2A visas) receive travel reimbursement (Modern Farmer), it seems safe to be hopeful.
Labor justice issues remain racial justice issues. COVID-19 disproportionately impacts farmworkers, especially in the same areas of California where Chávez fought for protections. In Salinas Valley, farmworkers – predominantly Mexican immigrants with temporary visas – showed an infection rate nearly three times higher than that of the Bay Area (UC Berkeley). Amazon continues to mistreat its employees by forcing warehouse workers in Chicago to work insane graveyard shifts (Vice) and attempting to block the unionization efforts of a predominantly Black workforce in Alabama (ARD). To respect Chávez’s legacy, we must think of labor rights as not inherently different from racial rights. President Biden must work to pass the PRO Act and protect workers’ right to organize. The year is different, but la causa is the same.
¡Sí Se Puede!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
César Chávez was a Mexican-American activist known for being the head of the United Farm Workers and organizing boycotts, strikes, and fasts to improve working conditions for migrant farmworkers.
The United Farm Workers flag, featuring a black Aztec eagle and red background, has evolved to represent both workers’ rights and Latine/Chicanx identity.
By including a bust of Chávez in the Oval Office, Biden seems to be signaling a willingness to work with the Latine community.
RELATED ISSUES
9/10/2020 | Fight for fair labor.
6/29/2020 | Protect public workers.
2/4/2020 | Support the BAmazon Union.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
Subscribe on Patreon | Give one-time on PayPal | Venmo @nicoleacardoza
Remember César Chávez.
As President Biden transitions to life in the White House, he’s responsible for controlling the imagery that will set the tone for the next four years. His Oval Office overhaul removed an Andrew Jackson portrait but added a bust of Latino union hero César Chávez (Washington Post). Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist, described it as a “healing moment” (NPR). The significance of this moment, and its urgency today, may have been lost on those unfamiliar with the work of César Chávez. Here’s a bit of context.
Happy Sunday, and welcome back to the Anti-Racism Daily! We touched on the importance of labor unions in last week's newsletter on BAmazon. I thought today's article on the legacy of César Chávez, written by Charlie, adds timely context for that conversation. I hope you enjoy learning more!
Thank you all for your support. This newsletter is made possible by our subscribers. Consider subscribing for $7/month on Patreon. Or you can give one-time on our website or PayPal. You can also support us by joining our curated digital community.
Nicole
Ps – be sure to sign up for 28 Days of Black History.
TAKE ACTION
In case you missed it, read last week’s article on unionization efforts at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama for specifics of how employers attempt to suppress union organizations.
Use this website to write your local representative to help pass the PRO Act, a piece of workers’ rights legislation that would ensure workers’ rights to organize without fear of retribution.
It’s hard to eat entirely ethically, but take the time to learn where your food comes from. If you can, buy fair trade foods and avoid brands like Driscoll’s that have been routinely boycotted (KSBY).
GET EDUCATED
By Charlie Lahud-Zahner (he/him)
As President Biden transitions to life in the White House, he’s responsible for controlling the imagery that will set the tone for the next four years. His Oval Office overhaul removed an Andrew Jackson portrait but added a bust of Latino union hero César Chávez (Washington Post). Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist, described it as a “healing moment” (NPR). The significance of this moment, and its urgency today, may have been lost on those unfamiliar with the work of César Chávez. Here’s a bit of context.
César (pronounced “say-zar”) Chávez was born in Yuma, Arizona in 1927. His parents were migrant farmworkers, and Chávez, working alongside his parents, changed schools 38 times before eighth grade (SA Current). Unable to attend high school, Chávez worked the fields in rural California, where his family had moved in 1939. There, he was introduced to labor organizing by Donald McDonnel (a priest) and Fred Ross, a part of the Community Service Organization, a labor activist group (HISTORY).
Through the Community Service Organization, Chávez met Dolores Huerta. Together, they formed the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in 1962. In 1965 the NFWA famously joined an ongoing strike started by Filipino farmworkers at the Delano vineyards. They organized to protest low pay and dangerous working conditions, leading a series of boycotts on grapes, workers strikes, and a 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento. Finally, In 1970, the newly christened United Farm Workers (UFW) were a formally recognized union (UFW). For migrant and minority workers in California often exploited by their employers, the UFW and Chávez were much-needed symbols of collective power.
Chávez was a follower of both Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr and was committed to both non-violent protesting and fasting as a form of protest. As the organization grew, the organization was often met with violence and assault. Some members wanted to respond in the same way. To demonstrate his commitment to nonviolent protesting, Chávez fasted for 25 days– losing 35 pounds in the process. His fasts gained media attention, and his breaking of the fast was even attended by Robert Kennedy (UFW). Said Chávez:
“
It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. The truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men.
César Chávez
Though Chávez is remembered as the face of the UFW, Huerta, who served as vice-president from 1965 to 1999, was its spiritual and organizing force. Let it be known that Huerta was the one who came up with “¡Sí Se Puede!” (Yes we can!) and that today she is still revered as a civil rights icon. Chávez and Huerta would go on to spearhead numerous movements, including an international table grape boycott in 1984 protesting the use of pesticides and successful campaigns to improve pay in the states of Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida (HISTORY)
It’s difficult to overstate the influence and legacy of Chávez, especially in California. He’s a hero, a people’s champion whose legend has turned him into a deity of Mexican-American activism. His face is on countless murals across the country, and the UFW flag has grown beyond a representation of worker’s rights to a symbol of inspiration and unity for Latines across the country (TakePart). Even the LA rock band Chicano Batman’s name is based on the famous black eagle silhouette on the red background (Guardian).
The prevailing stereotypes of American Latines are that we’re uneducated, poor, or just plain dirty. Brown Pig-Pens with sombreros working in hot, dusty fields. In contrast, the UFW flag and images of Chávez offer pride in the face of discrimination and racism. In Oakland (where I live), the UFW flag is tagged under bridges, painted on tiles, and even plastered on the corner store where I buy late-night iced tea.
The inclusion of a Chávez bust in the Oval Office potentially signals the Biden’s administration’s commitment to working with Latine labor groups and immigration activists. It could be a shallow performance to gain Latine support. Still, given Biden’s efforts to reverse Trump-era legislation and ensuring temporary foreign farm workers (those with H2A visas) receive travel reimbursement (Modern Farmer), it seems safe to be hopeful.
Labor justice issues remain racial justice issues. COVID-19 disproportionately impacts farmworkers, especially in the same areas of California where Chávez fought for protections. In Salinas Valley, farmworkers – predominantly Mexican immigrants with temporary visas – showed an infection rate nearly three times higher than that of the Bay Area (UC Berkeley). Amazon continues to mistreat its employees by forcing warehouse workers in Chicago to work insane graveyard shifts (Vice) and attempting to block the unionization efforts of a predominantly Black workforce in Alabama (ARD). To respect Chávez’s legacy, we must think of labor rights as not inherently different from racial rights. President Biden must work to pass the PRO Act and protect workers’ right to organize. The year is different, but la causa is the same.
¡Sí Se Puede!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
César Chávez was a Mexican-American activist known for being the head of the United Farm Workers and organizing boycotts, strikes, and fasts to improve working conditions for migrant farmworkers.
The United Farm Workers flag, featuring a black Aztec eagle and red background, has evolved to represent both workers’ rights and Latine/Chicanx identity.
By including a bust of Chávez in the Oval Office, Biden seems to be signaling a willingness to work with the Latine community.
RELATED ISSUES
9/10/2020 | Fight for fair labor.
6/29/2020 | Protect public workers.
2/4/2020 | Support the BAmazon Union.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
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Support the BAmazon Union.
On Monday, February 8, 5,805 workers at an Amazon facility in Alabama will decide whether they wish to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. If they vote yes, they would be the first Amazon warehouse in the United States to unionize (Washington Post). The vote-counting is scheduled to be completed by late March. This Black women-led movement is one of the greatest and most significant unionization efforts in recent history.
Happy Thursday, and welcome back. Today I'm spotlighting the unionization efforts happening at an Amazon facility in Bessemer, AL. Their efforts could have a significant impact on not just Amazon but the many companies that thrive off of low-wage workers.
Thank you all for your support. This newsletter is made possible by our subscribers. Consider subscribing for $7/month on Patreon. Or you can give one-time on our website or PayPal. You can also support us by joining our curated digital community.
Nicole
Ps – yes, I'm aware of the irony of citing the Washington Post in this article, and I'm glad you are too.
TAKE ACTION
Follow the work of the Bessemer Union on Twitter @BAmazonUnion and their website.
Alabama residents: Join the rally to support workers on February 6 (details on Twitter).
Share the resources provided on the Bamazon website with Amazon employees you may know (if applicable).
GET EDUCATED
By Nicole Cardoza (she/her)
On Monday, February 8, 5,805 workers at an Amazon facility in Alabama will decide whether they wish to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. If they vote yes, they would be the first Amazon warehouse in the United States to unionize (Washington Post). The vote-counting is scheduled to be completed by late March. This Black women-led movement is one of the greatest and most significant unionization efforts in recent history.
This organizing has placed the Bessemer, AL facility in the spotlight. The city, a working-class suburb of Birmingham, was once a powerful industrial city called “Marvel City” (Alabama Pioneers). But after steel mills exited the area decades ago, unemployment rates rose. 28% of the population (which is 72% Black) lives under the poverty line (Census.gov). The mayor said it was the largest single investment in the city’s 130-year history (CBS 42). And the jobs, which pay twice as much as the state’s minimum wage, could offer a much-needed boost (NPR).
But, according to a video by More Perfect Union, a media company covering labor issues, employees say that conditions inside are like a sweatshop, and employees are treated “worse than robots (More Perfect Union video). Employees shared more details on conditions to Michael Sainato in his article for The American Prospect:
“
'They work you to death,' said Sara Marie Thrasher, who worked as a 'stower,' an employee who stocks items in warehouses before they’re ordered by customers, at Amazon BHM1 [facility] in October and November 2020, before she claimed she was fired via email without warning. 'It’s crowded. Sometimes you can’t even find a station. We would get reprimanded if our stowing time was above 20 seconds or higher, with rates needing to be done in 8 seconds per item' (The American Prospect).
These stories reflect thousands of others that employees have shared at Amazon factories across the globe. And many of these stories are not new; here’s reporting on the issue from 2013. But conditions for many workers, including those in Bessemer, have deteriorated since the start of the pandemic. The Bessemer facilities opened in March 2020, and rules started to change quickly as the pandemic worsened. Una Massey, a former level five area manager at the facilities, tells the Guardian that rules changed rapidly weren’t adequately communicated to staff, causing more terminations and leaving the team short-staffed (The Guardian). Massey also stated that a supervisory group called Space Force designed to ensure social distancing would give final warnings to associates that were less than six feet from one another. “But that was so unfair to the associates,” she states, “because there weren’t even enough seats in the lunchroom” (The Guardian).
In response, Amazon has gone on the offensive. The organization now forces employees to attend anti-union meetings during their shifts (Business Insider) and have plastered anti-union fliers everywhere, including bathroom stalls (Washington Post). Employees are receiving text messages and being targeted with sponsored ads on Facebook linking to the organization’s anti-union website (The Guardian). The organization is also pressing for the upcoming vote to be held in-person instead of through mail ballots, even though we’re still in a pandemic (Washington Post).
Last June, the company was celebrated for making broad statements in support of Black lives (Business Insider). But those words fail to justify their actions. Their gross profitization on the oppression of Black and brown communities is a clear example of racial capitalism, a term coined by Cedric J. Robertson, describing the process of extracting social and economic value from nonwhite communities (Harvard Law). This isn’t just reflected in Amazon’s treatment of its employees, but other aspects of its business: the racial discrimination of its AI and the partnership between their Ring and local law enforcement (The Forge). It also makes an egregious impact on the environment, which we know disproportionately affects communities of color. A September 2019 report released by the organization outlined that, in 2018, it emitted 44.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents into the atmosphere – roughly equal to the annual emissions of Norway (Wired).
On Tuesday, February 2, CEO Jeff Bezos announced that he’s stepping down and will be replaced by cloud executive Andy Jassy (CNBC). This news came hours after the story broke that the company will pay $61.7M in fines after stealing a percentage of drivers’ tips (TechCrunch). Since the start of the pandemic, Bezos’ net worth has increased by $70 billion. Progressive International estimated that if Bezos gave every Amazon worker a $105,000 bonus, he’d still be as rich as he was at the start of COVID-19 (Twitter).
It’s important to remember that even with a new CEO, it’s likely that Amazon’s predatory capitalism will continue to grow. For NPR, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum notes that this movement isn’t just a labor struggle, but a civil rights struggle, too (NPR). Supporting this initiative isn’t just a way to honor those bold organizers’ work but stand for more equitable working conditions for all laborers, especially those most vulnerable to racial capitalism. The outcome of this upcoming vote could define the future of Amazon and the labor decisions of thousands of other organizations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
An Amazon facility in Bessemer, AL is planning to vote next week on unionizing.
If completed, this will be the first unionization against Amazon
Amazon's inadequate treatment of employees is one form of racial capitalism
RELATED ISSUES
9/10/2020 | Fight for fair labor.
6/29/2020 | Protect public workers.
11/1/2020 | Question billionaire philanthropy.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
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Fight for fair labor.
Happy Thursday! And welcome to Issue No. 100 of the Anti-Racism Daily. There's a lot of new faces here. In case you missed it, I publish one newsletter each day on ways to dismantle systemic oppression, written by me or lovingly curated from diverse voices.
This newsletter started as a work in protest – a consistent commitment to change. To honor it, we've created a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and coffee mug embroidered with our tagline. All proceeds will be donated to mutual aid funds supporting communities of color during these stressful times. Get yours here >
As for today's newsletter, I wrote this because I feel a labor strike is coming. And when it's time for us to take action, I want us to remember why it's so important for us to advocate for fair labor rights – starting with the vulnerability of low-wage workers. Stay tuned.
And thank you all for your contributions. To support our work, you can give one-time on our website, PayPal or Venmo (@nicoleacardoza), or subscribe for $5/mo on our Patreon.
Nicole
TAKE ACTION
Add an extra tip wherever possible. Many food/delivery companies are inflating fees that don’t reach the worker that’s helping you. Double-check to ensure you’re directly supporting the workers supporting you.
Commit to buying from only small businesses one day a week. Work to increase that frequency by the end of the year.
Where possible, stop supporting major businesses that exploit low wage workers.
Research: What is your city/state doing to protect low-wage workers?
GET EDUCATED
Before the pandemic, employment growth looked promising at first glance. The U.S. experienced its longest job expansion period in history, growing consecutively since The Great Recession of 2009 (PBS). But a closer look at the numbers showed that a vast percentage of job growth stems from low wage work, defined as someone who earns less than two-thirds of the median hourly wage for full-time workers (USCS). In 2019, 44% of American workers – 53 million people – were low-wage workers, earning $10.22/hr on average, which amounts to just $17,950 a year (Brookings).
📰 Read more about the unemployment gap in our August 9 newsletter >
Low-wage work is precarious. It often doesn’t come with job security and benefits, and the pay structure can be inequitable (keep reading for thoughts on tipping). And job development opportunities are slim; low-wage workers are the most likely to remain stuck in their wage bracket when they switch occupations (Brookings). 39% of employed people in households making less than $40,000 were furloughed or lost their job in March, as opposed to just 13% of households making over $100,000 (Politico).
And at least half of the low-wage workers in America are people of color, which is likely underreported. 63% of Latino or Hispanic workers and 54% of Black workers earn low wages, compared to 36% of white workers and 40% of Asian American workers. And Black and Latino or Hispanic workers earn less than white workers with similar educational levels and experience (Brookings).
Which is why we have to read the latest unemployment numbers with a grain (or spoonful) of salt. Although the newest reports indicate that hourly earnings rose 4.7% from a year ago, that's actually because so many low-wage workers have left the industry, skewing the numbers (Salon). A study by researchers at the University of Chicago's Becker Friedman Institute in July found that just 9% of highest earners were laid off amid the business closings while the brunt of job losses fell on the lowest-earning workers. And, researchers believe that roughly half of low-wage workers that have lost their jobs are not classified as unemployed because they are not actively searching for a new job.
The last insight is most horrifying, because it indicates how uncertain future wage jobs are right now. As schools transition online, companies adopt remote work long-term, the travel industry contracts and retailers reconsider commercial leases, many low-wage jobs in maintaining these spaces are being cut. Scott Rechler, the chief executive of RXR Realty, which owns over 20 million square feet of office space in New York City, estimates that “every office worker sustains five service jobs, from the shoeshine booth to the coffee shop.” Yet only about 12 percent of his tenants are in the office (NYTimes).
📰 Many wage workers are also considered essential workers during this time, which means people that can work are exposing themselves to contracting the disease. Learn more about how you can support essential workers in our June 21 newsletter >
Workers that survived off of tips are also struggling because of the pandemic. Federal law, along with many states, requires employers to pay the difference between what the workers earn after tips and the regular minimum wage. But many employers are falling short by intentionally stiffing workers for most or all of their pay (NYTimes). Most cities and states rely on workers to file complaints before investigating businesses, rather than inspecting workplaces. Advocates believe that inspectors are “going easy” on smaller businesses, empathizing with the economic difficulties of this recession. And, workers are more fearful of retaliation now than ever before as other job prospects dwindle. Together, this creates a structural lack of accountability, which can permanently damage the wage industry.
📰 The history of tipping is rooted in slavery. Learn more in our August 16 newsletter >
Citizens across the country are already advocating for change. Workers in Philadelphia are unionizing, creating systems of accountability for local institutions, and representing their communities in district councils (Philadelphia Inquirer). The community in Lansing, MI has organized to protect tenants that are at risk of being evicted and pressuring local leaders to increase the minimum wage and add sick pay, an initiative that’s previously been adopted but watered down by the state government (Lansing State Journal).
“There’s been an awakening to the fact that these issues can be addressed by organizing and legislation. People are seeing the power of direct action to effect change.”
Valerie Braman, a labor educator at Pennsylvania State University, for Philadelphia Inquirer.
That’s why it’s important to watch the story unfold about Proposition 22, an initiative on the ballot in California this November. It aims to prevent companies who employ gig workers, like rideshare drivers, to reclassify them as employees, which would give them benefits like minimum wage, overtime, and unemployment insurance (CBS Los Angeles). The campaign Yes on Proposition 22 received $181.4 million from five rideshare and app-based companies—Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, InstaCart, and Postmates – to ensure it passes (Ballotpedia).
If passed, the bill may make it harder for gig workers that aren’t looking for job security or structure to take jobs like these. But, it will also move to protect those that rely on these jobs with benefits like a minimum guaranteed wage, overtime, unemployment, and anti-discrimination protections, while holding multi-million dollar businesses accountable for wage exploitation.
And as major companies increasingly gain market dominance, we may see more low-wage workers exploited for power. Corporations like Amazon and Wal-Mart are thriving due to the pandemic, and their margins are also possible because, in part, of their high propensity for low-wage workers. With little oversight from the federal government, there’s nothing to prevent this hiring practice to continue – but us. We must advocate for the wellbeing of low-wage workers at the polls and do our part to invest in businesses that center their needs.
key takeaways
Low-wage workers are a significant part of the total employed population of the U.S.
Low-wage workers are disproportionately losing their jobs due to COVID-19
These workers are also disproportionately women and people of color, who are systemically discriminated against in the workforce and have fewer opportunities to grow from their wage bracket than others, regardless of economic or educational background
Low-wage workers are more vulnerable now than ever because of limited job opportunities and large, market-dominating companies thriving during the pandemic
RELATED ISSUES
8/16/2020 | Think before eating out.
8/9/2020 | Understand the unemployment gap | COVID-19
6/21/2020 | Protect essential workers: Racial Disparities of COVID-19
6/11/2020 | Support black-owned businesses.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact.
Subscribe on Patreon | Give one-time on PayPal | Venmo @nicoleacardoza