For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 09, 1996

Statement by President Gerald W. McEntee, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO on Minimum Wage Action in the Senate

Gerald W. McEntee, president of the 1.3 million member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO today had the following to say about Senate action on increasing the minimum wage:

"In a major victory for working men and women and their families, the Senate today rejected an attempt by right-wing forces in Washington to exempt millions of low-wage workers from a minimum wage increase.

"While I regret that the Senate did not see fit to adopt an amendment by Senator Kennedy (D-MA) that would have further strengthened minimum wage protections, the vote on the Bond amendment is a remarkable achievement given the current climate in Washington."

AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone: (202) 429-1145
Fax: (202) 429-1120

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