Leaders of COPS/Metro, a broad-based organization of churches, schools, and unions, will hold an Accountability Assembly with Candidates for Mayor and City Council, Sunday, April 19, at 3:30 PM in St. Henry’s Parish (1619 S. Flores St) to advance a Living Wage strategy for the lowest paid City of San Antonio workers and for outsourced & subcontract service jobs. Over 300 delegates are expected to attend the session, the top 4 candidates for Mayor, and City Council candidates from Districts 2, 3, 5, and 7.
"This is an exciting turning point in what has already proven to be a successful campaign,” remarked Esmeralda Rodriguez of St. Timothy Parish and co-chair for the assembly. “Since we began organizing around this issue last June, we’ve gained the support of 4 of the 5 Bexar County Commissioners to raise wages for the lowest paid county employees to $14.91 over three years, starting with $13 next year. And the Alamo Colleges have already raised wages for their lowest paid employees as a direct result of our actions. Now, we’re turning our attention to the City.”
COPS/Metro leaders will also ask candidates to commit to working with them on other important issues, including greater investment in workforce development and housing rehabilitation. “Not all homes qualify for the weatherization program,” said Maria Tijerina of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. “There are senior citizens and people on fixed income that pay $200 and even as high as $400 a month on their utility bills. We need a strong plan for housing rehabilitation to protect our seniors in the harshest summer and winter months.” ###
