Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to address striking Washington contract workers Tuesday as Pope Francis arrives in D.C. for his historic visit.
The workers, who work at the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings, are striking to encourage Congress and President Barack Obama to adopt a $15 minimum wage, and are seizing upon the pope’s visit to draw attention to their cause.
“With hands outstretched, the workers and clergy will pray that the hearts of America’s elected leaders are touched by the words of Francis and that they will use their powers to lift contract workers out of poverty,” Good Jobs Nation said in a press release.
National Council of Churches General Secretary Jim Winkler, Riverside Church of New York City Rev. Michael Livingston, Ecumenical Poverty Initiative Executive Director Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, and Interfaith Worker Justice Executive Director Rudy Lopez will also appear at the strike.