Workers share pay woes with U.S. Secretary of Labor

Tom Perez hears details of daily living struggles in Detroit, and of calls for a $15 hourly wage

DETROIT, MI – Alicia Robertson’s current situation?

Besides earning less than $200 a week through her low-wage job at Dollar Tree, the mother of 3 is homeless and being forced to live in her car as she struggles to buy clothes for her children.

“It’s hard not to be able to put clothes on your children,” said Robertson, choking back tears. “It’s hard sleeping in your car, not knowing where you’re going to wake up.”

Robertson was among ten low-wage workers who shared his or her personal story Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez. The roundtable discussion, which took place at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, included retail, fast food, homecare and childcare workers. Perez was joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and SEIU Healthcare Michigan President Marge Robinson.

Secretary Perez said that Tuesday’s discussion was “about the unfinished business” of building prosperity for all. He likened the nationwide campaign for a $15 hourly wage and the right to form a union without interference---first initiated by fast food workers two years ago in New York--- to the civil rights movement led by the late Dr. Martin Luther King III.

“The Fight for Fifteen is more than a number,” said Perez. “It’s a movement to make sure we have a livable wage.”



Pamela Gillian-Baston reminded the group that homecare workers take care of society’s most vulnerable citizens, but don’t earn a living wage.

“I’d like to one day have someone take care of me, and be able to take care of themselves,” she said.

Perez also heard details from workers who said they have been empowered by being involved with the D15 campaign for $15 and a union.

“I’m fighting not only for better wages,” noted Terry Tarrant, a McDonald’s worker, “but because fast food workers deserve a voice and to be heard. They shouldn’t have to choose between a light bill and a water bill.”

Tuesday’s event included the D15 campaign, the national protest that has spread to more than 250 cities and to multiple industries such as healthcare and higher education.

Seattle, San Francisco and Oakland recently raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour.