The Greater Binghamton Labor-Religion Coalition is sponsoring a 40 hour fast for a living wage.
It will start at 8 pm this Wednesday. And, end at Noon on Friday. The goal of the fast is to encourage people to break with the norm and enter a time of prayer and reflection. And to bring attention to the state's minimum wage issue. The Assembly has voted to boost to the wage to $9 an hour. However, no action has been taken by the Senate. The coalition want politicians to establish a living wage for New Yorkers.
Fred Brooks says, "The minimum wage should actually be equal to a living wage so that people will not have to dependant on food stamps or the taxpayer. Every worker, we believe, has a dignity and should paid for his labor at a fair wage."
The coalition says if New York's current minimum wage had kept pace with inflation it would be up to $11.15 an hour. For people who don't or can't fast, the coalition is encouraging them to write letters or call their state Senators.
