The initiative would put a minimum wage hike on the November ballot, boosting the lowest hourly wages in the city from $8 to $10.
Contact:
Scott Myers-Lipton, Professor of Sociology, (510) 508-5382
SAN JOSE – So much for the idea that young people are disengaged from politics and social justice issues.
A San Jose State University sociology class has succeeded in submitting an initiative to the city government to put a minimum wage hike on the November ballot that would boost the lowest hourly wages in the city from $8 to $10.
The students and their professor, Scott Myers-Lipton, will hold a press conference to talk about their project to help San Jose’s poorest workers at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23 in front of the Tommie Smith and John Carlos statues on campus.
“These are sophisticated students who know how to get things done,” Myers-Lipton said. He added, “After studying many social problems, the students decided to focus on increasing the minimum wage in San Jose. They were drawn to this issue because they believe that all workers in San Jose should make a living wage.”
The initiative is now being reviewed by the City Attorney’s office and will be returned in 15 days or less with a title and summary. Soon after, the petition drive will begin at college campuses throughout San Jose and in the community. After collecting 19,200 plus signatures, the students will have qualified the initiative for the November ballot.
What:
Press conference on San Jose State students’ initiative to raise the city minimum wage
When:
10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 23
Where:
Tommie Smith & John Carlos Statue Garden (near Clark Hall)