The road to a healthy city starts with worker rights
The lack of worker protections in New Orleans is a public health crisis. Poverty wages, union busting and a lack of health insurance and paid time off are harming workers' health and reducing life expectancies.
We can change this. Join us in demanding a Workers' Bill of Rights by signing onto the letter below.
The Problem
In New Orleans, workers and culture bearers are getting paid poverty wages and can't even afford to go to the doctor when we’re sick. Studies show that residents of the richest, white neighborhoods are expected to live 20+ more years than residents of the poorest, Black neighborhoods.
This is unacceptable.
What We Can Do About It
Now, New Orleans workers are coming together to fight for the jobs we deserve—jobs that allow us to provide for ourselves and our families so that we can care for our health and well-being. In order to do that, we need a Workers’ Bill of Rights that demands the right to:
A fair, living wage, with a minimum of $15 per hour
Paid leave for the purposes of medical care, family, bereavement and vacation time
The ability to organize a union free from threats, intimidation or interference
Healthcare coverage
How It Works
The Workers' Bill of Rights will incentivize businesses to fairly compensate and treat employees with respect. Through a partnership with the City we will create a Healthy Workplace designation for all employers who provide for their workers all of the criteria outlined in the New Orleans Workers’ Bill of Rights. We will build a movement and pass public policy to enshrine these rights in our city charter and establish Louisiana’s first Workers’ Commission to fight for our rights.
On February 22, 2024, the City Council created a ballot proposal to place the Workers’ Bill of Rights on the ballot for the November 5 election. The hearing to pass this proposal will take place on March 19. Read the full ballot proposal here.
Why It Matters
In a majority-Black city that was built by Black people and is known for its Black culture, upholding the well-being of Black workers who too often make up industries with the fewest protections should be the utmost priority. All workers, no matter their neighborhood or race, deserve a healthy workplace and a job that guarantees every aspect of the New Orleans Bill of Rights. That’s why the Mayor and City Council must take action and demonstrate that investing in our city means investing in workers.
Take Action
Now is the time to help rebuild our community as a place of opportunity for everyone. Stand with us in adopting the Workers' Bill of Rights as a bold step in standing up for the people who make New Orleans a wonderful place to live.
Sign on to our letter of support, and share with your community!
Attend the Workers’ Bill of Rights Hearing
March 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Orleans City Hall
1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112