Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: Workers

Denver Minimum Wage Increase Raises Questions Over Prices, Jobs, and Affordability
DENVER7, Approved, Local

Denver Minimum Wage Increase Raises Questions Over Prices, Jobs, and Affordability

By Sophia Villalba | Denver7 DENVER — Denver's minimum wage will rise to $19.84 an hour on Jan. 1, renewing debate over how higher labor costs affect workers and businesses. Some say the increase is necessary, while others say the higher wages could impact business operations. Every business owner implements cost-cutting methods however they can. At Elemental Bakery and Coffeehouse, owner Cindy Wright chooses to take on more work herself to save some money. “Instead of hiring a dish person, we all do the dishes. We're not looking to raise prices or anything right now,” Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse owner Cindy Wright said. Spending is top of mind, especially with another minimum wage increase on the horizon. READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT DENVE...
Thousands of Colorado janitors vote to authorize strike: “Denver depends on us, and we need livable wages”
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Thousands of Colorado janitors vote to authorize strike: “Denver depends on us, and we need livable wages”

By Tori Mason | CBS Colorado Colorado's largest janitorial strike since the 1990s could begin next week. SEIU Local 105 janitors across the Denver area voted "yes" Tuesday to authorize a strike. They hope to reach an agreement with cleaning companies by the time their contract expires Sunday. Service Employees International Union Local 105 says it was a unanimous 100% "yes" vote.  The negotiations affect over 2,000 janitors, 90% of whom are Latina women. "We're ready to fight for our families and our communities," said Eva Martinez, a janitor for the last 30 years working at Republic Plaza. "Denver depends on us, and we need livable wages, safe workplaces, and fair workloads." READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO