Today is César Chávez Day, a state holiday here in California, where the struggle for farm workers rights was primarily fought. And, there is a move to make it a national holiday of service much like Martin Luther King, Junior Day. Many people enjoy their 3-day weekend, and the day off -- with pay. However, many, many people do not. Not only do people work today, in private-sector jobs, and small businesses, that do not (or cannot afford to) offer holiday pay, but many of them work for low wages that are unsustainable. Although the working conditions of those who pick the fruits and vegetables we eat, has in many cases changed little, or --in worse case scenarios-- has declined, there are many people struggling to make ends meet, in service positions in every single city, in every state. The current push to increase minimum wage is a long-overdue attempt to spread the wealth to those who work hard, but cannot keep up with the rising cost of living. San Diego is already becoming prohibitively expensive for many people. Yes, every successful, upwardly-mobile person seems to want their perfectly-prepared latte, served up promptly by a smiling barista, yet are they willing to step up for a raise in their wages? People in service jobs eventually would not be able to live in the very neighborhoods that they work. A long, time-consuming commute form another (cheaper) area of the city is not the answer, better wages are. So, how does one celebrate César Chávez Day? Support unions, and the worker-protections that they ensure, try to purchase organic produce that protects your health, as well as the health of those who harvested it, support moves to create affordable housing in the neighborhoods where people actually work, and support small businesses. Small businesses are the heart-and-soul of a community --not the chain stores. And, many immigrants to this country are small business owners. Your support of their businesses lifts everyone.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:22:40 +0000
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