Labor Day has just passed and in many parts of this country workers at some fast-food businesses walked off their jobs in protest of the poor wages they are paid.

In this country, it is unthinkable that a person cannot make enough money to support themselves and their families. Yet, they can’t.

We, the people, have the power to change that. We can demand that the minimum wage rate be raised to a living wage. We can demand that benefits are paid for every job.

I stand with those workers, and I will boycott those companies until the workers’ demands are met. Any company making billions in profits can afford a fair wage and benefits for those who labor in their places of business.

I believe that the way to raise everyone is from the bottom up, as a rising tide lifts all boats.

We have all seen the results of the trickle down economic philosophy, and it seems more like pushed down. People need to push up by letting those places of business know that we, the people, want fair treatment and fair wages for workers who give their time and labor.

Diana Lovejoy, Buckfield

filed under: