Suchergebnisse

The majority of new jobs created in the United States today are low-wage jobs, and a fourth of the labor force earns no more than poverty-level wages. Policymakers and citizens alike agree that declining real wages and constrained spending among such a large segment of workers imperil economic prosperity and living standards for all Americans. Although many policies to assist low-wage workers have been proposed, there is little agreement across the political spectrum about which policies actually reduce poverty and raise income among the working poor. What works for Workers? provides a comprehensive analysis of policy measures designed to address the widening income gap in the United States. With its rigorous analysis of what works and what does not, What works for Workers? points the way toward effective reform. For social scientists, policymakers, and activists grappling with the practical realities of low-wage work, this book provides a valuable guide for narrowing the gap separating rich and poor. -- from back cover.

The politics of implementation -- Setting the stage: the political and economic context -- Overview of the movement -- A closer look at living wage campaigns -- Living wage outcomes -- Implementation: what happens after laws are passed? -- Fighting from the outside -- Coalitions playing a formal role -- Factors needed for successful implementation: inside and outside strategies -- Other outcomes beyond implementation -- The future of the living wage movement and lessons for policy implementation

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide background on the US living wage movement, with particular attention to recent victories, and also the ways in which the US movement differs from living wage movements in other countries. It begins with some technical distinctions of terms, then analyzes the campaigns and movement for higher wages, and considers some of the challenges the campaigns have faced. It will conclude with some discussion about the future of the movement.


Design/methodology/approach
This is a general review of living wage campaigns in the USA. This is based on a review of existing literature and the author's own prior research and participant observation.


Findings
The author argues that the initial living wage movement that began in the early 1990s was limited in scope but successful in building coalitions and political power to launch a much more expansive movement to raise wages in 2012.


Originality/value
This paper is a general summary of the last 20 years of living wage campaigns. It does not include new research.

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