Katherine Clark, Barbara Weniger and cookies.
Lakota’s cookies were sweet, and so was the Labor Day message to those seeking to boost the minimum wage following the great recession.
Katherine Clark urged an increase in basic pay, encouraged by Barbara Weniger, owner of the bakery in the Heights, who pays her seven employees above the minimum.
“When we take care of our workers, we’re taking care of the spouses, children, and grandparents who depend on them too,” Clark said. “It’s time for Congress to raise the minimum wage and expand family medical leave so that we can strengthen our families.”
If elected, Clark would push for an increase in the minimum wage to $11, a proposal that goes beyond President Obama’s goal of $9 an hour, and she would support expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act. The law now allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave as well as the continuation of health benefits during that time, but the campaign says that covers less than 60 percent of U.S. workers and does not include paid leave.
Last federal increase in 2009
Congress has not approved an increase in the federal minimum wage since 2009. It stands at $7.25 per hour.
She also supports a measure in the state Legislature seeking an increase from $8 to $11 by 2015.
The Democratic candidate from Melrose drew voluble support from Weniger, who has owned Lakota for 22 years.
During a tour of her store, photos on the wall reflecting support for President Obama and Deval Patrick, she said: “I’m proud that I pay above the minimum wage, because I never wanted to squeeze every cent I could from the people who work for me. That’s not why I got into business. People worry you can’t pay employees living wages and stay in business. I have.”
Asked about fears many business owners have about the impact of a higher minimum wage, the South Dakota native who was born on a farm said her employees “go get lunch down the street,” supporting Arlington businesses.
She said her employees award her with loyalty; many have been working at the bakery for at least 12 years.
“Standing up for American workers and making sure everyone gets a fair wage and a chance to take care of their families shouldn’t be a partisan issue, but Republicans believe taking care of our families is bad for business,” Clark said. “Progress can’t wait, so when I get to Washington, I’ll put families front and center in the conversation in Congress so that we take real steps toward improving their lives at home.”
Pledge to Women, Families
A campaign news release said her goals are part of a Pledge to Women and Families, her congressional agenda outlining her plan to go to Washington to fight Republican extremists attacking women’s rights and change the conversation toward finding real progress for women and families.
An estimated 25 people attended the noon rally. A number were those holding signs at Mass. Ave. at Park as well as those at 1375 Mass. Ave.
Among the supporters present were Selectman Diane Mahon, George Laite, Dennis Corbett, Barbara Goodman and Hannah Simon.
Clark and Weniger offered platters of cookies.
Clark is among seven in her party seeking a win in the Oct. 15 primary for the seat vacated by this summer by Edward J. Markey. Three are Republicans.
Sept. 1: No front-runner in 5th
This story was published Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013.
