DAPAC.org

Progressive Democrats favor raising the minimum wage. After 10 years at the dismal rate of $5.15 an hour, Democrats in Congress were able pass a minimum wage increase, and after incremental steps the rate will reach $7.25 in July of 2009. Still, this federal standard is extremely low – for a full-time employee, a minimum wage job would annually pay only $15,080 (after the full increase). That's far less than the poverty level for a family of three, and even that figure isn't realistically enough to sustain and support a family. Democrats must stand up to the corporate-sponsored Republicans who care more about the bottom line than the reality of day-to-day living.

Other factors working against the American worker are the various trade agreements, such as NAFTA, and the increasingly common practice of outsourcing jobs. These issues produce massive job losses in manufacturing and other sectors, and force Americans to accept lower-paying and less-skilled work. Results are equally destructive in countries where jobs are outsourced to, because workers there face even lower wages and substandard working conditions.

Our representatives must refuse any further agreements without safeguards for American jobs, and must stand up to corporate interests and fight outsourcing. They must also continue to support the right or workers to organize, and bargain for work and family issues.