On the Facebook page for the Albany (NY) Newspaper Guild, there are photos of hard-working Times Union folks. They are holding yellow placards indicating what they cannot afford as a result of not having gotten a raise from the newspaper for three-quarters of a decade. You can also see all the pictures on the Guild’s blog.
It is evident that, despite a substantial decline in unemployment in the United States since the Great Recession, stagnant wages are crimping economic growth. Moreover, a decade of flat wages is “the key barrier to shared prosperity and a rising middle class,” a middle class the newspaper needs to grow.
Interesting that even the notoriously stingy Wal-Mart has raised the salaries of its lowest-paid employees recently.
Some of the placard messages:
We should share in Hearst’s record profits after sending Times Union profits to Hearst for decades.
I worry about money all the time.
I can’t afford to buy from Times Union advertisers.
Heartache, knowing that some of my colleagues with chronic illnesses cannot afford the medical care they need.
I work hard all the time, but I don’t think I am valued by the company.
A bleak job future
A possible career change
Greed and abuse of power
I can not do the home repairs I need to do.
All costs are rising EXCEPT the raise!!
Thought this was a record-setting year?
A reduction in 401K contributions.
I have no money to save for my children’s education, or my retirement.
Having to choose whether to buy medicine, pay bills or buy gifts for grandkids.
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Photo used with permission.
