Jefferson City, MO — Today, Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders celebrated in front of the Missouri Secretary of State’s office as the Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages campaign officially submitted signatures for a ballot measure that will deliver paid sick days and higher wages to Missouri’s working families.
“Like most Missourians, I work hard everyday. But I’m not able to earn a single day of sick time. When I’m not feeling well, I’m forced into impossible choices. Do I go to work and possibly get my co-workers, customers, and their families sick? Or do I stay home to heal but miss out on a needed paycheck?” said Alejandro Gallardo, a Columbia worker and signature gatherer.
“This initiative is about making our communities healthier, safer, and stronger so that none of our neighbors are forced to choose between a paycheck and their family’s health,” continued Gallardo. “I gathered signatures because workers like me deserve the ability to earn paid sick days and a fair wage. This will benefit everyone and I’m here to see that through.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders gathered more than 100,000 signatures of the 210,000 signatures submitted to place the Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages initiative on the ballot.
“No matter our zip code, our race, or what job we have , we work hard for our families. Being there for our families is non-negotiable,” said Caitlyn Adams, Executive Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice. “No Missourian should have to choose between a day’s pay and their family’s well-being. Tens of thousands of Missourians who work full-time do not get any paid sick days. Missouri’s economy should reward hard work, not punish hard-working people for getting sick.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice is the leading grassroots organization fighting for an economy and democracy that works for working people. Since 2006, Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures to expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage, clean up democracy, and reject so-called “right to work” laws in Missouri.
“Initiative petitions are how everyday Missourians have their voices heard and pass policies that matter most to our communities,” said Katelyn Zach, a Springfield resident and signature gatherer. “When our leaders refuse to deliver for our families, we as Missourians take power into our own hands and show up for our communities.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders and coalition members kicked off the grassroots signature gathering efforts across the state in April 2023.
“I’ve been a part of several ballot initiatives, this has been by far the biggest show of power from grassroots groups I’ve ever seen,” said Sharon Al-Uqdah, retired American Postal Workers Union Local # 67 President. “Hundreds took to the streets, union halls, front porches and festivals to talk with our neighbors and put this on the ballot. On kick off day, grassroots leaders gathered more than 8,400 signatures in a single day.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice was founded in 1999 as a part of the St. Louis Living Wage Ordinance campaign. Organizing with workers to raise wages has been the lifeblood of our institutions since we started.
“For twenty-five years, Missouri Jobs with Justice has been on the frontline with workers fighting for fair wages and an economy that works for all of us – not just the wealthy few,” said Joan Suarez, Missouri Jobs with Justice board president. “The experience, passion, and strategy of Missouri Jobs with Justice cannot be denied. Since 2020, we have been working on this policy and as a board knew we were the folks to execute this.”
Missouri Jobs with Justice leaders will continue to talk to voters, hold leaders accountable, defend direct democracy, and advocate for policies that work for working people.
The full ballot summary language can be found below:
Do you want to amend Missouri law to:
- increase minimum wage January 1, 2025 to $13.75 per hour, increasing $1.25 per hour each year until 2026, when the minimum wage would be $15.00 per hour;
- adjust minimum wage based on changes in the Consumer Price Index each January beginning in 2027;
- require all employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every thirty hours worked;
- allow the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide oversight and enforcement; and
- exempt governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions?
State governmental entities estimate one-time costs ranging from $0 to $53,000, and ongoing costs ranging from $0 to at least $256,000 per year by 2027. State and local government tax revenue could change by an unknown annual amount depending on business decisions.
For full text see initiative petition filing 2024-038 online at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024
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Missouri Jobs with Justice is a statewide organization committed to building a democracy and economy that works for all of us. We work with faith leaders, students, union members, and everyday Missourians — Black, Brown, and White — to build a state where we can all thrive. Our individual and organizational members come together to hold decision-makers accountable and to build a Missouri where opportunity exists for all, regardless of race, identity, income, or immigration status.
