Working at the car wash.......with representation.

[marmar]

In a move that labor union officials said may be industry-changing, recently unionized car wash workers in New York City have ratified a contract with their employer, marking the first collective bargaining agreement in the U.S. car wash industry outside of California, the workers' union told HuffPost on Tuesday.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said workers at the Astoria Car Wash & Hi-Tek 10 Minute Lube in Queens voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contract, which increases wages from the current minimum wage of $7.25 to $9.18 after three years. The agreement also guarantees sick and personal days for workers and establishes a grievance process for complaints.

Unions, in concert with faith and community groups, have made a significant push in recent years to organize the mostly Latino immigrant workforces that clean cars in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Workers often toil for the minimum wage or less, handling potentially dangerous chemicals, with little or no job security.

Appelbaum called the contract "hugely significant." ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/28/car-wash-new-york-contract_n_3348685.html?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000037&ir=Politics

[Ohio Joe]

1. K&R - nt

[JimDandy]

2. Nice! I still don't know how anyone can live

on even $9.18 / hr in NYC, though. No way you could afford a 1bd apt, food, and utilities in that area with those wages.

[pinboy3niner]

3. K&R...with music