Las Cruces, NM - Councilor Nathan Small shared with us his plans to completely alter the core and spirit of our ordinance. It’s a move we believe panders to outside monied interests. We’re deeply disappointed in a city councilor we thought was an ally.
Councilor Small’s plan is to extend implementation of the $10.10 wage increase proposal to 2019. That’s a full two years later than the ordinance that’s already been approved by the council. While the ordinance on the books would raise the wage every year to adjust for cost-of-living increases starting in 2018, Councilor Small’s proposal would allow that to happen only every two years beginning in 2021. And while the ordinance on the books would give tipped workers a raise every year between 2015 and 2017 along with all other minimum-wage earners in our city, Councilor Small’s proposal would give them only one raise in 2015.
It’s unfortunate that Councilor Small has chosen to side with those who have enough money to intimidate workers, divide our community and circumvent the democratic process. We are also frustrated to see him further complicate the process when we are so close to a resolution.
Councilor Small has participated in CAFé’s events from day one. We are disheartened that he has at this late hour showed his true colors as a typical politician who is placing his own gain above the will of the people.
Cassie Calway, tipped worker and mother of two was displeased with the discovery. “Backroom deals that only benefit some are why ordinary citizens don’t want to get involved in politics.” She said, “This deal leaves hundreds of workers out in the cold this Thanksgiving.”
If Councilor Small moves on his bad proposals, we already have petition language in place that reiterates our position. We are prepared to file a new petition asking city councilors to implement a $10.10 wage increase by 2017 or allow voters to decide. We can’t stop city council from changing the resolution. But if councilors are unwilling to side with workers in our city who deserve livable wages, we will force them to vote against our city’s workers again and again until they change their minds.
We are also considering initiating a process to amend the city’s charter that would ensure that city council cannot gut citizen’s initiatives, play games with our democratic process, or be threatened by big business interests.