AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the correlation between labor rights and civil rights.
Today (Jan. 16) is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to celebrate, remember and honor the late civil rights leaders. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 and spent more than a decade as the nation’s prominent civil rights leader before he was assassinated by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968.
Spriggs expressed his disappointment with the leaders of southern states who pushed for So-Called "Right to Work" laws, which undermine worker safety, employee training and the right to organize. He said those who speak against labor rights are the same people who speak against civil rights.
Spriggs spoke also about the dignity of work and how states refuse to increase their minimum wage standards. Pennsylvania, for instance, continues to keep its minimum wage at the unlivable rate of $7.25 per hour. This rate was established in 2009, and a lack of progression makes Spriggs believe it will continue.
Listen to today’s episode to learn more about these topics.