Mercer 3rd county in N.J. to endorse $15 minimum wage

The resolution calls on state legislators and the governor to support legislation that would raise the minimum wage

TRENTON -- The Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders threw its support behind a $15 statewide minimum wage, becoming the third county to take such action.

The board voted unanimously on Thursday to pass the resolution, which calls on state legislators and the governor to support legislation that would raise the minimum wage from its current $8.38 an hour.

"The minimum wage is too low to sustain a family," said Rob Duffey, a spokesman for the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, which has helped spearhead the effort. "New Jersey's middle class is shrinking, poverty is rising and we need families to have sustaining jobs in order to bring a strong economy that works for everyone."

The "Fight for $15" campaign began in New York City three years ago when 200 fast-food workers walked out of work to protest low wages and since then, similar protests have been staged across the country.

Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco are among the cities that have approved phased-in increases and New York state will gradually raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour.

"If it can happen in New York, why can't it happen in New Jersey?" Duffey said.

The group is trying to build momentum by passing resolutions in counties and local municipalities. The first was Essex County, followed by Hudson County, then Jersey City.

"We're going in a systematic way through the state ... and the end goal is a statewide bill," Duffey said. "People need higher wages now, not three or four years from now."

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.