November 4, 2020
In a resounding victory for millions of essential workers in Florida who have put their lives and livelihoods on the line amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida voters today approved a constitutional measure to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15/hr in 2026, becoming the eighth state in the nation to pass a $15 minimum wage.
Read MoreAmendment 2, which would eventually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, is on the Florida ballot this year.
Read MoreA recent study by the Florida Policy Institute estimates that by 2026, Amendment 2 would increase wages for 26% of Florida’s workforce, or approximately 2.5 million workers. It also would result in many fewer families living below the poverty level, would especially benefit Florida’s service sector employees, bring many workers closer to a living wage, and would help lessen the pay gap for people of color and women workers. It’s morally and ethically unconscionable for our society to accept such abysmal salaries for workers. Vote yes on Amendment 2!
Read MoreNowadays, essential workers — including fast-food, higher education, airport, hospital, janitorial and nursing home employees — are risking our lives for an unlivable wage. Others have been laid off or furloughed because of the pandemic and had nothing to fall back on because our paychecks were always too small for us to save a penny. But we’re not accepting this status quo that treats essential workers like we’re disposable. Our votes are essential, just like our work and our lives. Floridians have the power to come together this November to approve Amendment 2.
Read MoreThe debate over raising Florida’s minimum wage has largely pitted employers, who argue it would be too costly, against workers, who say they can’t live off the current $8.56 an hour. A newly formed coalition of Florida businesses that back Amendment 2 wants to change that narrative. Florida Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, which includes restaurants, manufacturers, hoteliers and clothing boutiques, was formed in the months before the Nov. 3 election when Floridians will decide on the amendment.
Read More[Translated] The protest took place in various cities as today was determined as Action Day of '15 for $ 15 ′ statewide. Hundreds of fast food, healthcare, higher education and airport workers along with community allies took to the streets in various cities. "Even working two full-time jobs is not enough for a single mother like me," said Deatric Edie, a striking fast food worker in Fort Lauderdale. “The rent is due in two weeks, but my money is running out. I've been homeless before, but in a pandemic the threat of losing my home is even more terrifying. That is why I am on strike today to support Amendment 2 and they demand at least $ 15 / hour for all Floridians. "
Read MoreMedia contact: press@fightfor15.org
Paid for in-kind by the Service Employees International Union, 1800 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036