Senator Marshall sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, creating the Low Wage Service Worker Task Force to:
study and make findings and policy recommendations about the growth and nature of the low wage service sector as compared to other job growth and sectors in the State of Delaware; the demographics and rate of poverty of workers in low wage industries, the impact of low wage jobs on children, families and communities; the cost to Delaware taxpayers caused by the impact of low-wage jobs and the cost of state services used by low-wage workers; and the effects on the local economy.
This hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 1PM at the Chase Center at the Wilmington Riverfront. They’re looking for a big turnout here, so please pass this along to as many people as you can. Here is the complete Press Release of the event:
Task force seeks testimony on low-wage, service sector issues
A panel named to look at issues facing low-wage and service sector workers will start taking testimony during a Wednesday hearing in Wilmington at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
Lawmakers set up the 14-member Low-Wage and Service Worker Task Force in June. It will hold its first meeting Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is a serious issue,” said Sen. Robert Marshall, D-Wilmington West, one of the group’s co-chairs. “If you look at the range of studies out there, the wage gap in this country is growing and that not only places a strain on families, who are struggling to get by in this economy, but it also places an enormous strain on the state and federal governments and charitable groups that are working to meet the needs of those families.”
Marshall said the group, made up of lawmakers and representatives of business and labor groups, will be seeking policy ideas on wage and labor law issues that can assist families without placing an undue burden on small business. The group has an Oct. 31, 2014, deadline for issuing recommendations to the General Assembly and Gov. Jack Markell.
“In January, Gov. Markell signed my legislation increasing the minimum wage, and that represents a step forward,” Marshall said. “But if you look around the country, states, cities and towns are taking a number of steps to help people get ahead. We need to look at what’s happening and find a Delaware solution.”
Earlier this year, Seattle, Wash., increased its minimum wage to $15 per hour and the National Labor Relations Board recently ruled that McDonald’s Corp. has a joint responsibility in how its employees are treated, which, if upheld, could have broad ramifications for the franchise restaurant industry.
And that process will start with Wednesday’s hearing.
“We’re hoping to hear from a range of experts and from people who are on the front lines,” Marshall said. “We have a short time to complete our work, but I’m confident that with strong public input, we will prepare a good report with solid recommendations to move Delaware ahead.”