AFSCME Local 1733 workers reach a tentative agreement for a livable wage
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The workers who keep Memphis running have reached an agreement with the mayor’s office that will provide them with a baseline livable wage.
The agreement has been signed by the city solicitor and now needs final approval from the Memphis City Council.
Under the deal, every covered worker earning less than $22 an hour would receive an increase to $22 an hour beginning Oct. 1. Sanitation workers would also receive raises of up to 5%.
While the agreement remains subject to approval by the Memphis City Council, Local 1733 members expressed optimism with the positive progress with the mayor’s office.
“This agreement shows what city workers can accomplish when we stay united, speak up and don’t give up,” said Adrian Rodgers, president of Local 1733. “Our members stood together because they know the value of the work they perform every day. We look forward to working with the City Council to make sure these raises take effect on October 1.”
Michael Ward, a code enforcement worker and a Local 1733 member, said he and his co-workers take pride in their work and in providing services to Memphis residents.
“A living wage means dedicated city workers can continue serving the city we love while also providing for our own families,” Ward said.
As part of their Respect 1733 campaign, workers organized, spoke out and mobilized community support to demand a fair wage. Local 1733 members gathered Tuesday at the union’s headquarters to hear details about the agreement and to celebrate all their work, before turning their efforts to the City Council and ensuring that the agreement is approved.
