The Downtown Workers Rights Bill-Ideas and Debate

[downtown]

Apparently, we feel that a workers rights bill is needed. I'd like to take some of the concerns that were raised from the last bill, and propose a comprimise.

Article 1) The Min. Wage
There shall be three (3) different Min. Wages, Wage A, B and C.

Wage A-6.50 an hour. Workers who do not meet the qualifications for B or C will be entitled to this wage.

Wage B- 3.50 an hour. Workers who's % of earnings come from tips exceeds 50% shall be entitled to this wage (and NOT wage A). This extends mostly to Waiters, Food Delivery Drivers, or others in the hospitality industry.

Wage C- 8.00 an hour. Workers who meet ANY of the following qualifications will be entitled to wage C
* Worker is above 21 years of age
* Worker is not claimed as a dependant on any citizen's tax form; that is to say, he is totally self-sufficent.
*Worker claims dependants on his tax form; that is to say, he is responsible for a child, or other family member's well being
* Worker is employed by a federal work study program, as a means for paying for higher education

Article 2-Workplace and hiring discrimination
* It will be illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of Gender, Race, Religion, Political Affiliation or Sexual Orientation, in regards to hiring, firing, or paying workers
* If a worker feels that he has been wronged in this manner, he can bring a case to the Federal Finaince and Business Department to file a complaint.

Article 3-Workplace Safety
* It is the responsibility of the employer to produce safe working conditions for its employees.
*Businesses will be inspected by local authorities to make sure said business is up to code with local and state fire, noise and pollutant regulations, along with whatever other local regulations the locality sees fit.

Article 4-Age Restrictions
*No citizen under the age of 14 shall be formally employed
* Workers younger than 16 shall not work more than 30 hours a week when school is not in session, or more than 15 hours a week when school is in session
*workers who are still enrolled in high school shall not work longer than 25 hours a week when school is in session

 

[Red Door]

Perhaps some rules like Equuleus had on minimum age to work and certain hours (but more exactly) would be a good idea?

 

[Provolution]

I think 12-15 , max 20 hours per week, 15-18, max 45 hours per week.

Remember, we are not as rich as the US, so people need to work more for the same outcome.

 

[Red Door]

I think 12-15 , max 20 hours per week, 15-18, max 45 hours per week.

Remember, we are not as rich as the US, so people need to work more for the same outcome.

I still think it's more. Lifeguarding can easily be longer than that, 45 hours means only 6 hours a day. It's not rare to see people working lifeguarding for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

[Provolution]

I mean 45 hours, exclusive lunch and so on.

 

[Red Door]

I mean 45 hours, exclusive lunch and so on.

It still is not enough. I say 60 really should be the minimum maximum.

By setting such a low maximum, we're not allowing these kids to earn money and spend it on what they want, or save up for college. In my opinion, it's unfair.

 

[Provolution]

Well then, I think you are in one end of the scale here.

I believe in compulsory education up to 18.

 

[Red Door]

Well then, I think you are in one end of the scale here.

I believe in compulsory education up to 18.

But, what about those who are not in school at a certain time? Should they sit around at home, or should they be working?

 

[downtown]

I did not set a maximum after the age of 16, at least, when school is out. I dont see a problem with a 17 year old working 70 hours a week in the summer to raise dough for school.

 

[Provolution]

I think a separate clause could be in place for summers. I worked almost 70 hours myself when I was a teen for a summer. But we are also making a law for the rest of the year as well.

 

[downtown]

^^ thats addressed in the bill as is currently written.

Anybody want to endorse this?

 

[Head Serf]

About article 2: What if the job requires that someone be of a certain gender or race? Is it ok for someone hiring strippers to discriminate against men?

 

[Splime]

This looks pretty good. I do think that the ministry of labor should be separate from business, as they have different industries. I don't mind who gets the position, but they are separate entities.

BTW, I will endorse this bill.

 

[Equuleus]

Well since it is stupid to have a big fight over the labor ministry I will just endorse this version. And withdraw my endorsment from the other version.

 

[Equuleus]

I would just add to article 2 discrimination against organizing unions.

But it is ok to fire in a strike/damage.

 

[Joe Harker]

Don't forget to include rights to disabled people, otherwise a good bill

 

[Equuleus]

I withdraw my endorsement

 

[Equuleus]

Reason: Lack of protection of labor

After speaking with several party members, we think it is worth fighting to protect labor.

 

[Zarn]

Protect labor or promote unions?

I asked you a couple times in your own bill if you were willing to protect workers against unions, and you did not say a thing. For some, joining a union is not a choice.

 

[Splime]

Protect labor or promote unions?

I asked you a couple times in your own bill if you were willing to protect workers against unions, and you did not say a thing. For some, joining a union is not a choice.

Yes, I think that's a problem. Workers need protection from both companies and unions.