For Immediate Release – Thursday, September 24th, 2015
Contact –Paco Fabián, 202-412-9969, paco.fabian@changetowin.org
LOW-WAGE CAPITOL WORKERS PRAISE POPE’S REMARKS ON WORKERS & UNIONS
Washington, DC – Low-wage contract workers at the U.S. Capitol and other federal landmarks – who are organizing under the banner of Good Jobs Nation – praised Pope Francis for remembering their struggles to win living wages and their efforts to form unions.
Over 1000 contract workers who cook and clean for U.S. Senators went on strike on Tuesday to welcome Pope Francis and his message of economic justice for the poor.
In his remarks to Congress this morning, the Pope opened his remarks by highlighting the struggle of these striking workers “who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and – one step at a time – to build a better life for their families … They generate solidarity by their actions, and they create organizations which offer a helping hand to those most in need.”
“Because we went on strike, Pope Francis started off his remarks by talking directly to low-wage workers. The Pope stands with the workers who are fighting to win $15 and a union,” said Sontia Bailey, a U.S. Capitol cashier who recently suffered a miscarriage because she worked long hours for low-pay. “We recognizes we need to be able to support our families.”
“The Pope spoke not just to the privileged members of Congress but also the working poor who serve them. Francis is affirming the right of workers to earn a living wage and form unions in order to support their families,” said Joseph Geevarghese, deputy director of Change to Win labor federation, which sponsors Good Jobs Nation.
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Good Jobs Nation is an organization of low-wage federal contract workers who are fighting to end the U.S. Government’s role as America’s leading low-wage job creator.
That’s why we’re calling on this President – or the next – to use his or her executive powers to make sure taxpayer dollars reward model employers that pay living wages and benefits as well as respect collective bargaining rights. Good Jobs Nation is supported by national faith, labor and advocacy organizations including Change to Win, Interfaith Worker Justice, Progressive Congress, and the Campaign for America’s Future. Learn more at www.goodjobsnation.org.