• The unprecedented economic growth of the 1990s – coupled with various political developments – meant that record numbers of people entered the labor market. Despite this growth in labor participation however, millions of poor and low-wage working people did not escape poverty. In times of plenty, and especially now – with a slumping economy and growing federal budget deficits – increasing numbers of Americans hold jobs in the low-wage labor market. Federal policies must be designed to promote financial security and reduce poverty in America.

  According to Beth Shulman in The Betrayal of Work , 40 million Americans work full-time but still fail to escape poverty. Despite claims of economic recovery, there continue to be concerns about the growth of wages for workers, quality and quantity of jobs being created, availability and affordability of employer-sponsored benefits, and other economic issues. Federal policy should be designed to support workers, help balance the demands of work and family, and keep families out of poverty.

  For more information on this issue, visit CHN’s Public Policy Priorities, 2013-2014.

  Also Visit

  Job Training and Education
  Minimum Wage
  Unemployment Insurance (UI)

  For more information on Labor and Employment issues, visit the links below.

  Urban Institute: A Profile of the Low-Wage Immigrant Workforce (10/27/03) 
  Unemployed Workers Information Website
  Center for Economic and Policy Research
  Finance Project Workforce Development Page
  The State of Working America (EPI)
  Urban Institute Research by Topic 

  Advocacy Organizations

  AFL-CIO
  AFSCME
  Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs
  Economic Policy Institute
  National Council of La Raza
  National Employment Law Project
  National Women’s Law Center
  National Youth Employment Coalition
  Service Employee International Union
  Wider Opportunities for Women
  The Workforce Alliance

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• According to a new report “The Third Shift: Child Care Needs and Access for Working Mothers in Restaurants,” released today by Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, 9to5 and others, female restaurant workers pay penalties for both gender and motherhood. Despite representing one of the largest segments of the U.S. economy and experiencing one of the largest growth rates, the restaurant industry continues to exploit its workers — particularly women, including mothers. Key findings in the report concluded that working mothers lack access to affordable child care, career mobility and a living wage with benefits.