15 Now of Tampa Bay officially launched

On July 19, 15 community and labor activists from St. Petersburg, Tampa and Orlando gathered at St. Petersburg’s North Branch Library to formally launch the Tampa Bay chapter of 15 Now.

Organizations represented included Socialist Alternative, the Green Party of Florida, and the National Organization for Women.

After a review of some of the history of the struggle presented by Ryan Wiggins, the attendees discussed how to proceed. It was noted that the responses to the fight had been enthusiastic across the state, with interest stretching from Jacksonville to Miami, but so far strongest in the Tampa Bay area.

“Legal Schmegal”

Various issues were put on the table. The Florida State Constitution, Article X, Section 24(a) states:

“PUBLIC POLICY. All working Floridians are entitled to be paid a minimum wage that is sufficient to provide a decent and healthy life for them and their families.”

But Statute 218.077(2) states:

“Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), a political subdivision may not establish, mandate, or otherwise require an employer to pay a minimum wage, other than a state or federal minimum wage, to apply a state or federal minimum wage to wages exempt from a state or federal minimum wage, or to provide employment benefits not otherwise required by state or federal law.”

The contradiction is obvious. So it was asked whether 15 Now should work to pressure local city councils and county commissions to pass their own measures, or pass resolutions of support? Or should the group immediately start laying the foundation for a statewide ballot initiative to repeal Statute 218.077(2)? There was general agreement that the key was to build a political base of support. Someone pointed out that it wasn’t that long ago that gay marriage was also illegal. But as the movement for Equality grew, judges and legislatures fell into line.

15 Now Tampa Bay will in any event be circulating a petition of support for the $15/hour minimum.

Rallies, tours? Structure!

Other suggestions included sponsoring a speaking tour across the state featuring 15 Now leader Kshama Sawant, holding a 15 Now rally in September, and supporting St. Petersburg’s Florida Public Services Union in its demand for a $15/hour minimum for city workers. Plans were made for a pot luck dinner/fundraiser in Tampa, and initiating a Sustainer program is in the works. Outreach to labor and community organizations will be discussed at the next meeting. Whew!

There was general sentiment that, at this stage, 15 Now needed to become an organizing committee, harking back to the organizing committees that were formed in the steel, auto and rubber industries in the 1930’s, which laid the foundations for the massive and successful unionization drives that led to the formation of the United Auto Workers, the United Steel Workers and other industrial unions. Establishing chapters across the State of Florida, finding contact persons, and building a broad network were major goals.

But first, the group had to settle a few organizational issues. The name “15 Now Tampa Bay” was made official, and the group’s independent identity was established. An interim group of four members was appointed to handle nuts and bolts details. It was also agreed that 15 Now would at this point meet weekly. There was much to do, and — most importantly — the energy to do it.

Next meeting:

Saturday, July 26, 11:30 a.m. at:

North Branch Library
861 70th Avenue N.
St. Petersburg, FL