Back in January, when the local activist group 15 NOW held a rally in support of radically raising the minimum wage, what music there was came in the form of a decades-old sing-songy chant sung by a veteran of the lefty ‘60s group Students for a Democratic Society. It fit the mood of the day, which was heavy on old-school socialist rhetoric, enunciated with particular passion by a socialist parliament member of Ireland in town for the event. He seemed to suggest that the passage of a $15-an-hour minimum wage in Seattle would herald an international socialist revolution.
Well, that might be carrying it a little far. But there’s no question that the deal brokered by Mayor Ed Murray last spring has helped thrust the $15 wage movement into prime time nationally. It’s latest supporter is none other than President Obama.“All across the country right now there’s a national movement going on made up of fast-foodworkers organizing to lift wages so they can provide for their families with pride and dignity,” the president said in a Labor Day speech. “There is no denying a simple truth. America deserves a raise.”
Later in the week, fast food workers around the country walked off the job once again to support that goal. Organizers said workers in 150 cities participated.
Seattle’s 15 Now, launched by Councilmember Kshama Sawant and her Socialist Alternative party, is staying in the game. It has launched 15 chapter across the country, according to the group’s website. And on Sept. 28, it is holding a benefit concert in support of the national movement.
The concert features Tom Morello, a guitarist known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, and a collaborator of Bruce Springsteen. His participation brings 15 Now a long way from old, sing-songy chants.
“I support the heroic groundswell effort for a $15 minimum wage,” Morello, also known for his political activism, said in a press release.
15 Now is also advertising a guest appearance by Chris Cornell, of Soundgarden and Audioslave fame.
The concert is to be held at the Eastlake bar El Corazon and will cost $20 in advance, which isn’t bad, although $15 has a natural ring to it for this one. Think about it: 15 for 15. Maybe next time?
