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WHEREAS, economic inequality in the United States has increased dramatically since the late 1970s. During this period of rapid economic growth, middle-class incomes have stagnated, while incomes for the wealthiest Americans have grown significantly; and,
WHEREAS, an analysis by the Pew Research Center demonstrated that the gap between America's upper-income and middle-income families reached its highest level on record last year; and,
WHEREAS, millions of low wage workers, who often rely on multiple part-time jobs with little or no benefits, are struggling to provide for their families, and meet their most basic needs; and,
WHEREAS, in a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, 61% of Americans said that the U.S. economic system favors the wealthy, and nearly two-thirds agreed that income inequality was a serious problem, demonstrating popular support for higher wages, and new economic policies; and,
WHEREAS, labor unions and elected officials across the country have joined together to fight for a higher minimum wage, and have called on large private companies to increase their wages to $15 an hour; and,
WHEREAS, more than 250 full-time City of Pittsburgh employees, including police officers and paramedics, currently make less than $15 an hour; and,
WHEREAS, City departments were asked to 'freeze' wages for 2015, even though the City of Pittsburgh's Operating Budget was increased by roughly $20 million; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh stands in support of higher wages, and greater economic equality in the City of Pittsburgh; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council calls for every full-time employee of the City of Pittsburgh to be provided a family-sustaining, living wage of at least $15 an hour.