In Memphis this Saturday, candidates came together with dozens of workers to discuss their strong support for unions.
Union member and future union members in Memphis today. Members from #afscme #cwa #ufcw #ucw #teamsters #FightFor15 We need unions. 64 million people make less than $15 an hour. They need $15 and a union #union pic.twitter.com/Muw6XQjapX
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
It’s unions that are key to helping workers like Joyce fight for a living wage for all — regardless of full-time or part-time status. Equal pay for equal work!
Joyce Richardson, AFSCME cafeteria worker in Shelby County. We need equal pay for equal work. Whether you work part-time or full-time time. You shouldn't make a different wage. We do the same work. We are fighting along side our union to get this. #unions #FightFor15 pic.twitter.com/1TimcKVRmX
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
And it’s unions that will help reform unsafe workplaces like Lakesha’s, which has no air conditioning or fans to protect workers from the blazing summer heat.
My name is Lakesha and I am a worker in the Verizon and I am fight for my union with the Teamsters. We need better policies. We should not have to work in this heat with out fans or air conditioners. We are fighting for our lives. #FightFor15 #unions #americaneedsunions pic.twitter.com/hPShddO9OJ
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
Home care workers like Sepia, who spend their days caring for the most vulnerable among us, deserve a union to help take care of them.
Sepia Coleman, home Care workers need unions. I take care of the most vulnerable in our country. I'm working multiple jobs and I am still not surviving. We need unions so we can set labor standards for all workers. pic.twitter.com/6GUVf7SNLA
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
In response, candidates shared how unions have impacted their own lives, and affirmed their commitment to pro-union policies.
Statehouse candidate Torrey Harris is from a proud union family: “Without my mother being a union member, she wouldn’t have been able to send me to school.”
Torry Harris, running for TN state representative. In a proud union son. Without my mother being in the union she would not have been able to send me to school. I am a strong union supporter. #unionstrong #FightFor15 #americaneedsunions pic.twitter.com/rHe0dL9Hc5
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
Restaurant worker and Statehouse candidate Allan Creasy said that the need for unions and a living wage is the reason he was called to run for office.
Allel Creasy, running for state house in Tennessee. I believe in unions. I am a restaurant worker making $4.25 an hour. That is why I am running for office! We need unions and a living wage. #UNION #FightFor15 #americaneedsunions pic.twitter.com/yrlYrSERHK
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018
Say it louder: it’s time to unrig the system! America needs unions!
Lee Harris a candidate for Shelby County Mayor. A ground union member of United Campus Workers. It's time to unrig the system. I have only the public interest in mind. That's why I'm running. #FightFor15 #americaneedsunions pic.twitter.com/1wdypTcmLQ
— Show Me $15 (@Show_Me15) June 30, 2018