On Labor Day we honor the generations of workers who have built Alaska’s and our nation’s economies. But the fight for fair wages, working conditions and a fair economy for all workers is an ongoing effort. That’s why it was an easy decision for me to support Ballot Measure 1 this November, which seeks to gradually increase the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by July of 2027 and allow all Alaska employees to earn a few days of paid sick leave.
For decades after statehood Alaska had the highest minimum wage in the nation. Today we rank 23rd among the states, despite our much higher cost of living here. Four out of five workers who would get a raise under Ballot Measure 1 are adults, and one in four of them are parents. In 2003, Alaska increased its minimum wage by 27% overnight, and employment and wages in low-wage industries such as seafood processing and bars and restaurants increased more than in our total private sector economy. The modest proposed minimum wage increase of 25% over three years will benefit the lowest 10% of Alaskan wage earners, lifting many out of poverty.
At least 25% of Alaskan workers have no paid sick leave, which means they have to choose between staying home when they or their child are sick and not getting paid, or reporting to work and potentially making co-workers or customers sick. When workers are paid fairly and businesses offer paid sick leave, the entire community benefits.
Alaska’s current minimum wage is not enough to cover basic living expenses, let alone to establish savings for the future or for emergencies. By raising the minimum wage, we take a step in the right direction, ensuring that hardworking Alaskans will be more able to afford basic necessities. This, in turn, reduces the strain on social services and allows more families to contribute to the local economy, supporting local businesses. When workers are paid fairly, communities prosper.
Labor Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and a call to action to continue their fight for necessary benefits in the workplace. Ballot Measure 1 represents a crucial step forward, ensuring that more Alaskans have the economic security and workplace protections they deserve.
By voting yes on Ballot Measure 1, we honor the legacy of Alaska’s workers who built our state and fought tirelessly for fair wages and safe working conditions. This is not just about raising the minimum wage or providing paid sick leave; it’s about affirming the values that have sustained our communities for generations.
• Ed Flanagan served as deputy commissioner and commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development under Gov. Tony Knowles from 1995-2002. He has lived in Alaska since 1975 and in Juneau since 1992. He is chair of Yes on One for Better Jobs.
