This Bill Would Force Large Corporations to Pay a Fine if They Don't Pay Workers a Living Wage

[Omaha Steve]

If implemented, the Responsible Business Act would incrementally raise the minimum wage that large employers are required to pay employees to avoid fees. (Photo: vvoe / Shutterstock.com)

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/34770-this-bill-would-force-large-corporations-to-pay-a-fine-if-they-don-t-pay-workers-a-living-wage

Wednesday, 10 February 2016 00:00
By Justyna Bicz, In These Times

A group of Chicago-area progressive groups and unions are backing a bill that would punish large companies who don't pay their workers a living wage.

The Responsible Business Act would charge corporations who employ more than 750 Cook County workers at less than $15 per hour fees for paying what advocates call poverty-level wages. Since it was introduced in October last year, the act has gained the support of unions and grassroots organizations fighting for economic justice.

Two actions in support of the proposed Responsible Business Act (RBA) took place in Cook County on Monday, February 1. In Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality: Northside, or ONE Northside, led a teach-in at their offices and canvassed outside of corporate stores. Supporters of the RBA including IIRON and the Reclaim Campaign held an action at a Walmart store in suburban Bedford Park, just outside the city limits.

The RBA is a county-level act and is sponsored by Commissioner Robert Steele of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. It currently has three co-sponsors: Joan Patricia Murphy, Luis Arroyo, Jr. and Jerry Butler; organizers say they also have two commitments to vote "yes" from Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Larry Suffredin. Three more commissioners need to support the act in order for it to pass through the 17-member board. Monday's actions called on 11th District Commissioner John Daley and 10th District Commissioner Bridget Gainer to back the bill.

FULL story at link.

[RKP5637]

1. K&R!!! n/t

[Hoyt]

2. Should include small businesses as well, they employ more people than big businesses.