Low-wage workers picketed and rallied across the country Thursday in support of a $15 per hour minimum wage.
On the steps of the Washington state capitol, a group of about 50 people gathered, mostly minimum wage earners who carried signs saying "Strike poverty." They’re calling for a $15 per hour base wage in Washington state.
Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, a Democrat, indicated that he would like to move a minimum wage bill in the upcoming 2015 legislative session. But with Republicans in charge of the Washington Senate, it seems likely that that effort would face roadblocks going forward.
Prior to Thursday afternoon's rally, Washington House Democrats held a work session on the minimum wage and paid sick leave.