“We need to promote higher labor standards in jobs that are underwritten by federal dollars.” US Rep. Keith Ellison, Co-Chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus
At a time when Congress appears to be paralyzed, some dedicated members of Congress are pushing through the cacophony and getting results. Yesterday, the US House voted to stop giving lucrative federal contracts to law-breakers. This is the 3rd time that Congress has attached this provision in a spending bill.
“Despite lobbying from business groups, the wage theft amendment passed the House with bipartisan support … Rep. Ellison described the amendment as an important step in protecting low-wage workers from unscrupulous employers.” The Huffington Post
Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are acting in response to a series of wage theft complaints filed with the US Department of Labor by Good Jobs Nation workers at iconic federal buildings like Union Station and The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC. These low-wage workers are owed at least $4 million in back-pay and damages because current minimum wage and overtime laws are routinely flouted on federal property.
The End Wage Theft Amendment, sponsored by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is now part of three spending bills – including defense, transportation, and energy – and the CPC plans to offer the amendment for an up or down vote on every pending appropriations bill going forward. It’s great to see that working people have support from champions in Congress.
Want to keep the winning streak going? You can start by going here.