Unveiling Workers' Bill of Rights Presentation in New Orleans City Council

Workers Bill of Rights Presentation to New Orleans City Council March 19, 2024

Agenda The Problem The Landscape Presenters Kisha Edwards, Step Up Louisiana The Solution The Charter Change Kenny Arbuthnot, Dollar Store Worker and Step Up Member Shermond Esteen, Owner, Nonno s Margot White, Starbucks Workers United Britain Forsyth, Step Up Louisiana Jeanie Donovan, NOHD

01 The Problem Unregulated workplaces are killing us.

A public health crisis - life expectancy gap In New Orleans, residents of the richest, white neighborhoods are expected to live 20+ more years than residents in the poorest, Black neighborhoods. 20+ years Nearly half of Louisiana workers lack access to paid sick days. Without paid leave, many New Orleanians cannot take time off to see a doctor for routine care or to address illness. This was a major lesson-learned from how essential workers were impacted by COVID-19

Exacerbating racial disparities 2x Black communities are disproportionately impacted by lack of economic opportunity and access to adequate healthcare. Black New Orleanians ages 18-64 are close to twice as likely to be uninsured than white adults.

Exploiting essential workers Corporations disproportionately exploit the Black workers who drive the New Orleans economy in the service and hospitality industries by providing low-paying jobs without access to benefits. Only half of hotel workers, for example, have access to paid time off, and less than half have access to benefits.

02 The Landscape Finding a path to change

Protecting workers despite preemption Step Up Louisiana saw these problems both on a large scale and in our own membership and organizing efforts. Because we are in a state with preemption laws, we knew we had to focus on solutions where the City has local control.

Finding local solutions We thought it best to approach our local issues with a combination of tactics legally available. Inspiration from other states Harris County (Texas) Essential Workers Board Durham (North Carolina) Workers Rights Commission Allegheny County (PA) Board Of Health enforcement of Paid Sick Leave Seattle and Philadelphia Domestic Worker Bills of Rights NYC Workers Bill of Rights

03 The Solution Worker health starts with worker rights

A three part legislative agenda 1. A charter change that puts forth the ideals we want to see in our workplaces and calls the question on the ballot on support for workers rights in New Orleans 2. A workers commission that supports the movement toward those ideals, a place to have public conversations about workplaces and how to protect workers rights, and a place where workers can learn how to organize 3. An incentive program that recognizes good employers - currently called a Healthy Workplace Program.

Community-driven policy Candidate Questionnaires - During the 2021 municipal elections, Step Up asked candidates about their support for a Workers Bill of Rights (WBOR). Candidates were very supportive. Workers Movement Assemblies - We brought together workers and community with an assembly every city council district and asked them what they wanted to see in a WBOR. City Workers Model Legislation - Several policies championed by the New Orleans City Council including the Parental Leave, $15 Minimum Wage, and Fair Chance Hiring policies for City Workers have been adopted in the private sector across New Orleans.

Four asks 1. A living wage 2. Paid leave 3. Union neutrality 4. Healthcare

Where We Are Since landing on these four keys points we have: Formed an organizing committee with workers and organizers. Participated in a grant funded partnership with the New Orleans Health Department to develop the Healthy Workplace Program. Written and published a sign on letter where business owners, community groups, faith leaders, and workers put their names behind the movement.

Where We Are Since landing on these four keys points we have: Held a Town Hall to launch our campaign and update the community on our work. Met with City Council members. Now, we are continuing to figure out the specifics of both the commission buildout and the Health Workplace Program.

04 The Charter Change Worker rights belong in the Bill of Rights

Additions to the Bill of Rights Step one of moving toward better workplaces for all New Orleanians is adding these two points to the Bill of Rights in the Home Rule Charter. (11) The people have the right to live in economic prosperity and to receive fair living wages for their labor, equal pay, comprehensive healthcare coverage and paid leave for the purposes of medical, family, bereavement, and vacation time.

Additions to the Bill of Rights Step one of moving toward better workplaces for all New Orleanians is adding these two points to the Bill of Rights in the Home Rule Charter. (12)The people have the right to a safe workplace which complies with all Federal, state, and local workplace laws and regulations including wage and hour laws, as well as the right to organize and to associate freely in pursuit of workplace and economic justice.

Its time to close the gap. New Orleanians are struggling, particularly Black New Orleanians. The life expectancy gap in this city is a public health crisis. Creating the Workers Bill of Rights will make New Orleans a leader in protecting workers and is the next step in a long fight with the workers of this city.

Questions? britain@stepuplouisiana.org workersbillofrights.org