We want to thank you, the diverse coalition representing thousands of New Yorkers, for helping to build a historic movement for living wage jobs. What you helped us achieve will fundamentally improve the way New York City handles economic development and job creation in the future. This victory is something we will build on in the weeks, months, and years to come. You changed the conversation about economic fairness and justice, and created a climate in which further campaigns can succeed and strengthen working people.

To learn more, read this Village Village Q&A with RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, or this Huffington Post op-ed by City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, or listen to this WNYC interview with City Councilwoman Letitia James.

While we have made significant steps in raising wage standards throughout the city, the fight is not over yet. Stay tuned to the website to find out the latest news, and get involved by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Living Wage NYC coalition released the following statement today:

While not an ideal bill, the Living Wage NYC coalition supports the living wage legislation, now being introduced by Speaker Quinn, and urges City Council Members to pass it. This bill is an important and meaningful step in achieving living wage jobs for all low-wage workers. We will hold the Speaker and the Council accountable to make sure that the final language of the bill moves the goals of our coalition forward. We will keep fighting, and we will not stop until all New Yorkers earn a living wage.

The Living Wage NYC coalition and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) released the following joint statement today:

We are thrilled with the new effort to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory. We applaud Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bloomberg Administration for partnering on this important effort, which we know will lead to quality jobs for Bronx residents. This shows that the Kingsbridge Armory can be redeveloped in another way than what was proposed in 2009. At the same time, we continue to work toward passage of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, legislation that would create living wage jobs for future subsidized economic development projects, and deal with the issue on a citywide basis rather than project by project. We feel that reviving the Kingsbridge Armory and supporting the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act go together. An item that appeared in City&State’s Notebook blog earlier today does not accurately represent the views of the Living Wage NYC Coalition or the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

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