Michael Shields, Economist from Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a failed signature-gathering campaign to raise Ohio’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. He explained why minimum wage workers in Ohio deserve a pay raise.
According to Shields, Ohio's working people continuously set new records for how much wealth they produce for the state and their employers. Unfortunately, the wages have not kept up with inflation. Shields discussed Ohio's past minimum wage increases and why workers need a policy solution.
A $15 minimum wage would align Ohio with 14 other states and Washington, D.C. These states have already passed minimum wage increases to $15 or higher. Shields explained that these states have nearly 42 percent of the American population and some of the highest living costs. Union members in Ohio do not generally suffer from the minimum wage, however, according to Shields, union members could see a pay raise if there were to be a minimum wage increase.
For almost eight months, a signature-gathering campaign was underway across Ohio for a $15 minimum wage to be placed on the ballot. Shields discussed why the group in charge of the campaign chose not to submit the signatures. Whether it’s a citizen-initiated ballot measure or state legislation, working people are eager to see an increase in the minimum wage, according to Shields. Workers deserve the ability to work a full-time job without being unable to make a livable wage.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Shields.