Representatives of the country’s nearly 64 million workers who are paid less than $15 per hour are in Richmond, Virginia, are in Virginia this weekend to collaborate on their demand for better wages. A contingent from Michigan plans to take part in a march and rally, as well. Pastor W.J. Rideout, of All God’s People’s Church in Detroit, says fast-food and retail corporations make huge profits, but often don’t pay their workers enough to cover such basic needs.
“Corporations will not give them 40 hours a week, and then pay them less than their fair share,” Rideout said. “To go along with it, they’re taking back from them, they’re causing wage theft and everything.”
Organizers say they expect about 10,000 people from all 50 states at the march and rally, just a small representation of the 64 million workers nationally who make less than $15 per hour. Rideout believes the “Fight for Fifteen” message is building momentum.
