“You know you are fighting for your community.”

Working Washington December 8, 2015

Jae Townsend works at Jimmy John's in Olympia. She is taking action for $15 in Olympia because she wants to be shop and support local businesses instead of the big corporate chains. She can’t do that right now on the low wages she is paid.

“It’s really hard to make a living on random hours.”

Working Washington December 8, 2015

Liam Anderson works at Eddie Bauer in Olympia. He is looking for a second job because the wages are so low. The problem is everyone else is looking too.

"I slept on a mattress pad in the kitchen."

Working Washington December 8, 2015

Holly West works at Capital Mall and has been pushing for a $15 minimum wage in Olympia. She’s testified in front of city council, brought more workers into the movement, and even led a people’s mic inside the annual Thurston County Chamber of Commerce dinner - right in the middle of their new CEO’s speech.

"Without $15 it's a real struggle."

Working Washington December 7, 2015

Chris talks about why it is important for people to have a living wage. In Olympia, that's a $15 minimum wage.

"$15 an hour is a base wage that people should be paid."

Working Washington December 7, 2015

Juliet works in transitional housing in Olympia. She sees what happens to people who don't make a living wage - and she doesn't make $15 either.

"As someone who has been in poverty..."

Working Washington December 7, 2015

Danny talks about winning $15 for Olympia would let people get their own place instead of surfing from couch to couch.

"I believe in my community. I believe in social justice."

Working Washington December 7, 2015

Jade talks about how a $15 minimum wage for Olympia would free her from the constant struggle she has in paying her bills.

"It's a constant cycle of struggle and it never ends."

Working Washington September 1, 2015

Holly spoke to the Olympia City Council about the need for a $15 minimum wage.

"At $15 an hour I have a chance, I have a shot at living without the constant feeling of debt."

Working Washington August 18, 2015

Nicola works in Olympia and testified in front of the Olympia City Council on the need for $15.

"I'm fighting for $15...to build my life up."

Working Washington August 4, 2015

NIchole works at McDonald's in Olympia. She testified to the Olympia City Council about the need for the city to get a $15 minimum wage.

“You know you are fighting for your community.”

“It’s really hard to make a living on random hours.”

"I slept on a mattress pad in the kitchen."

"Without $15 it's a real struggle."

"$15 an hour is a base wage that people should be paid."

"As someone who has been in poverty..."

"I believe in my community. I believe in social justice."

"It's a constant cycle of struggle and it never ends."

"At $15 an hour I have a chance, I have a shot at living without the constant feeling of debt."

"I'm fighting for $15...to build my life up."

About Working Washington

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Working Washington unites working people to fight for a fair economy where everyone can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy.

Working Washington

building a workers’ movement that has the power to raise wages, improve labor standards, and change the conversation about work and wealth

Working Washington unites working people to fight for a fair economy where everyone can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy.