Feb. 2, 2009

Putting people first to revive the economy

Working people everywhere are being battered by the recession, and low-income workers have little cushion against the blows.  But hopes are high that President Obama will put the needs of working people above the economic elite.  And in San Diego, groundwork by CPI and many others in 2008 has laid a foundation for major improvements in the quality of jobs.

A new video highlights CPI's 2008 policy victories promoting decent jobs with health coverage.  Click here to watch our new 6-minute video.  

These 2008 policy victories have set the stage for pulling our local economy through the storm:

• Good jobs are included in goals for future development.  Working with the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and other allies, CPI succeeded in adding a commitment to living wages to San Diego's plan for future development.  The City Council in March amended the city's General Plan to focus on strengthening industries that bring good jobs paying enough so "families can make ends meet without assistance."  Future development proposals will be judged by this important new yardstick.

• Healthcare coverage, quality city services and taxpayers are protected from privatization risks.  As Mayor Sanders pushed to privatize city services, CPI focused attention on the potential impacts on the people doing the jobs as well as on service quality and cost for all city residents.  In July, the City Council approved our proposals to protect quality services and workers' healthcare coverage.  With the Mayor's "managed competition" plan now stalled by a court order, our protections are key to the renegotiations with city unions.

• City contractors must pay living wages to more workers.  In October, we won approval of a strong package of improvements to San Diego's living wage law, strengthening enforcement and extending the living wage to more workers.   Based on evidence gathered through outreach to workers by CPI, the Labor Council and other allies, the City Council increased penalties for contractors who violate the law, added whistleblower protections and set a fair process for worker complaints.  The council also closed loopholes and removed exemptions so the living wage requirements will apply to employees of many more contractors.

Taking it to the next level 

Our work in 2009 will build on these successes to make real change for working people.  We will actively pursue enforcement of the living wage law with targeted campaigns against violators.  We will work to ensure that construction throughout the region brings good, green jobs with solid career paths for local workers.  And we are helping build a national movement and resource center to fight privatization and champion good government.

In economic crisis, it is more important than ever to create decent jobs that build the middle class.  Working people are the foundation of our economy, and are also consumers, taxpayers and mortgage-payers.  Their financial well-being -- not bailing out banks and failed CEOs -- is the key to economic recovery.

Job opening at CPI
 
The Center on Policy Initiatives is hiring an Office Manager.  This position is responsible for all office functions and maintenance, basic finances and some administrative support.  The job requires good computers skills, some experience with basic finances or bookkeeping, strong organizational skills and a commitment to CPI's mission. Please send a resume and cover letter to Barbara Obrzut, Center on Policy Initiatives, 3727 Camino del Rio South, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108, or email to: bobrzut@onlinecpi.org