9to5 Atlanta In the Press

In the Press: Movement afoot to increase minimum wage for restaurant workers

Times-Georgian, 02/24/2010 -
With a statewide campaign to support a raise in servers' federal minimum wage from its present $2.13 per hour to $5.50 per hour by July 2012 kicking off this month, local restaurant owners say an increase in wages for servers could lead to higher prices or longer waits in restaurants.

“The margins in the restaurant business are razor thin,” said Gary Duke, owner of Sunnyside Cafe on Rome Street in Carrollton. “We’re all struggling to survive.”

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In the Press: Tipped workers' wages at issue

Rome-News Tribune, 02/13/2010 -
The Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition is calling for the state to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The minimum for tipped workers in Georgia has been set at $2.13 an hour since 1991.

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In the Press: Georgia urges public to pick "fair pay" restaurants for Valentine's Day

The Florida Times Union, 02/12/2010 -
ATLANTA - A group of churches and advocates for the poor is urging Georgians to share some of their affection on Valentines Day with the men and women who serve them their candle-lit dinner.
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In the Press: Women Still Seek Paycheck Equity

Atlanta Journal Constitution, 02/05/2010 -

 A year ago, dozens of women’s and civil rights activists gathered at the White House to watch President Barack Obama sign his first piece of legislation into law: the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act.

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In the Press: Parent Protection Act - GA Council on Developmental Disabilities magazine

Making a Difference - Georgia Council on Developmetnal Disabilties quarterly magazine, 01/01/2010 -

Cindia Cameron, 9to5 Organizing Director in Atlanta, and mother and daughter 9to5 Atlanta chapter members Linda and Jennetta Alllen explain why the Parent Protection Act, which would allow for 24 hours of unpaid leave in Georgia for parental involement in school activites and time off for doctors' appointments,  is critical to families caring for children with disabilities.

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In the Press: More women supporting families

Atlanta Journal/Constitution, 09/13/2009 -

Tina Patterson, Atlanta 9to5 member, pictured with her daughter Eris.

By 6 a.m. most weekday mornings, Germain Patterson is rustling up breakfast for his two daughters and wife Tina so they can get to school and work. Then, he heads back to bed or to the computer until about 9, when his 3-year-old son gets up. Then it’s a day of housework, teaching his son the alphabet or going to the park, and more job-hunting online.

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In the Press: Minimum Wage Hike Affects Buisnesses, Workers

Associated Press, 07/31/2009 -

The Associated Press reports on the minimum wage increase.  Features Cindia Cameron National Organizing Director of 9to5.

In the Press: Minimum wage hike kicks in, re-igniting debate

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , 07/24/2009 -

See quotes from Atlanta Chapter Members Chandra and Ryan below...

The much-debated increase in the minimum wage takes effect today, putting a bit more money in the pockets of low-paid workers but adding to employers’ costs at a time when many are struggling.

In the last of three annual boosts mandated by Congress in 2007, the minimum for most workers today rises 70 cents to $7.25 an hour. The increases were the first since 1997.

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In the Press: Three workers react to wage hike

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , 07/24/2009 -

Check out Atlanta Chapter member Marilynn Winn...

Temp worker: ‘Every little bit makes a big difference’

Marilynn Winn, 58, keeps fans going in her Atlanta apartment a few blocks from Turner Field instead of running the air conditioner on a 90-degree day because “when I turn the air conditioner on it costs a hundred dollars,” she said.

“These cost $40 to run,” she added, pointing at two oscillating fans in her living room.

Winn, a temp worker, said she’ll gladly take the 70 cents-an-hour raise.

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In the Press: Stay home sick? Not an option for many workers

Atlanta Journal Constitution, 05/14/2009 -

In light of the outbreak of swine flu virus in Mexico — and the 3,352 confirmed cases, so far, in the United States — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that “to stay healthy” people should cover their mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands more often and avoid touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

The CDC also recommends that if you feel sick, you should stay home from work, limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.

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