What 7 1/2 years without a raise at the Times Union means

On the Facebook page for the Albany (NY) Newspaper Guild, there are photos of hard-working Times Union folks. They are holding yellow placards indicating what they cannot afford as a result of not having gotten a raise from the newspaper for three-quarters of a decade. You can also see all the pictures on the Guild’s blog.

It is evident that, despite a substantial decline in unemployment in the United States since the Great Recession, stagnant wages are crimping economic growth. Moreover, a decade of flat wages is “the key barrier to shared prosperity and a rising middle class,” a middle class the newspaper needs to grow.

Interesting that even the notoriously stingy Wal-Mart has raised the salaries of its lowest-paid employees recently.

Some of the placard messages:

We should share in Hearst’s record profits after sending Times Union profits to Hearst for decades.

I worry about money all the time.

I can’t afford to buy from Times Union advertisers.

Heartache, knowing that some of my colleagues with chronic illnesses cannot afford the medical care they need.

I work hard all the time, but I don’t think I am valued by the company.

A bleak job future
A possible career change
Greed and abuse of power

I can not do the home repairs I need to do.

All costs are rising EXCEPT the raise!!
Thought this was a record-setting year?

A reduction in 401K contributions.

I have no money to save for my children’s education, or my retirement.

Having to choose whether to buy medicine, pay bills or buy gifts for grandkids.
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Photo used with permission.

Author: Roger

I'm a librarian. I hear music, even when it's not being played. I used to work at a comic book store, and it still informs my life. I won once on JEOPARDY! - ditto. View all posts by Roger