People’s Hearing 2020

In February, Raising Wages NC co-hosted a People’s Hearing on Raising Wages in Durham, North Carolina. The event was well-attended, and attracted people from across race, class, and generations; all coming together to support the FF15 and RWNC’s call to raise wages to at least $15 an hour. The hearing was designed as a conversation with policy makers and local representatives, who came out to hear the personal stories of workers, educators, religious leaders, students, and other movement builders calling to raise the minimum wage in North Carolina.

Community attendees were enthusiastically in support of raising the minimum wage, waving “FF15” signs and filling the room with cheers of support. Many also clearly expressed how $15 is the “bare minimum” for workers in North Carolina to be able to survive and live a life of dignity. The rising cost of rent, increasing higher education prices, and the lack of a mandated federal minimum wage increase for over a decade have all contributed to increased economic strain and the inability to survive on the current minimum wage. These issues have long been discussed in local community organizing groups, many of which were present at the forum.

North Carolina is one of several “right to work” states that has a ban on collective bargaining, limiting the power of workers. All representatives present at the event were asked to give a clear commitment to working people and to voice their support for a $15 an hour minimum wage. After hearing the stories of so many impacted by the current minimum wage of $7.25 and the maintenance of poverty wages in the state, most responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and agreed to do their part to fight for higher wages.