The Conference of Mayors inequality report presented a couple of weeks ago sheds some light on the recent income distribution in the U.S. According to the report, while the productivity levels increased recently and the jobs lost during the recession have been gained back, the incomes have not. Compared to the income received by workers who lost their jobs during the recession, the newly created jobs have a 23 percent lower average income.
Obama wants to increase unionization rates, as his said during a speech in Milwaukee on Labor Day in front of 6.000 union members. His main message reflects the discontent with the present situation. While the U.S economy is recovering, the benefits get concentrated in fewer hands. So Obama emphatically argues that it is time to resolve the unfair situation. The message is clear, “There is no denying the simple truth: America deserves a raise,” Obama put it bluntly in his Milwaukee speech.
Even if Republicans enjoy opposing his policy, Obama’s mind is set. “I want an economy where your hard work pays off with higher wages and higher income and fair pay for women and workplace flexibility for parents and affordable health insurance and decent retirement benefits,” Obama said. “I’m not asking for the moon, I just want a good deal for American workers.”
Longer working days without adequate payment may increase unionization rates
The speech comes just after a Gallup report says that Americans work for almost one extra-day during a single week. So instead of a 40 hours work week, the average worker works for much longer. A staggering 39 percent of the workers work for more than 50 hours per week, the same report notes. Only a meager 8 percent of the employees work for less than 40 hours per week.
Obama delivered a strong call to action during his speech in Milwaukee. “If I were looking for a good job that lets me build some security for my job, I’d join a union,” the President said, followed by vigorous applauses. “If I were busting my butt in the service industry and wanted an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, I’d join a union.”
His message is more politicized than ever, as Obama wants to leave behind a rich legacy. Now there is a need for actions, as the message to increase unionization rates has been delivered.
