856 Public Policy Coordinator Malia Vella (far right) with State Senator Jerry Hill (far left) joining with with fellow union members at the State Capitol in the fight for $15.

On April 4, Governor Brown signed a landmark bill into law that will raise the minimum wage to $15 in California by 2022. Teamsters joined members from other unions at the State Capitol to push for the wage boost in the days leading to its passage. 

While most union members make above the minimum wage, union support was critical in getting the bill passed. “This is about the movement as a whole,” Teamsters 856 Public Policy Coordinator Malia Vella explained. “Unions push for progress for all workers, and our role in raising the minimum wage proves just how crucial unions are for all California workers. This law will raise everyone up.”

Vella also notes the law provides a pathway for in-home supportive service workers to get paid sick leave days. These workers had previously been excluded from California’s paid sick leave law passed in 2014.

“While this won’t affect Teamsters 856 members directly, almost everyone knows of someone who has needed the care of these workers. They deserve paid sick leave like everyone else,” she said.