MassBudget: Labor Day 2015: Important Gains, Many Challenges for MA Workers

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Labor Day 2015: Important Gains, Many Challenges for MA Workers By Kurt Wise, Senior Policy Analyst Labor Day will arrive again this Monday, offering all of us a chance to remember and to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. While Massachusetts workers have seen some improvements recently - including lower unemployment, a higher minimum wage and earned paid sick time - unfortunately, since the late 1970s, our national and state economies have not given workers much cause for celebration. The fact is, we have a problem.   Both our national and our state economies are unbalanced: Since the late 1970s, wages and incomes for most working families have stagnated. By contrast, for the highest income households, incomes have grown at ten times the rate of income growth for the bottom 90% of the population. (MassBudget report on the State of Working Massachusetts) This trend has harmed our state's ability to make important investments that can make life better for working people. (MassBudget factsheet on tax cuts) The highest income residents in Massachusetts, who have captured so much of the gains from our state's economic growth over the last several decades, actually pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than the rest of the population. (MassBudget factsheet on tax fairness) If the highest income households paid the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the rest of us, this would allow for increased investments in key drivers of economic prosperity, like high-quality public education and efficient transportation systems. (MassBudget report on the benefits of a well-educated workforce) The good news is there are solutions. One federal-level solution is to reform outdated rules for determining which workers qualify for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a given week. Currently, hourly workers are entitled to be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate when they work more than 40 hours. For workers who are salaried (i.e., instead paid a fixed amount for a year's employment), guaranteed overtime pay depends on both their salary level and on the nature of their work duties. Salaried workers who currently earn more than $23,660 per year AND are classified as managers or supervisors are not guaranteed overtime pay. The current overtime salary threshold of $23,660 per year, however, is less than half of what it was in 1975, when adjusted for inflation. As a consequence, many salaried workers classified by their employers as "managers" or "supervisors" today are not guaranteed overtime pay even if they often perform duties no different from ordinary rank-and-file workers. In 1975, 60 percent of salaried workers nationwide were guaranteed time-and-half pay when working overtime, but today less than 10 percent enjoy the same guarantee. The Department of Labor has proposed a plan to raise the salary threshold to $50,440 annually, close to its inflation-adjusted 1975 level. Under this proposed update, an additional 260,000 Massachusetts workers would be guaranteed time-and-a-half pay when working more than 40 hours in a week. (Economic Policy Institute & Center for American Progress factsheets on updating and improving overtime rules) There are many other federal policies that could help to restore wage growth (Economic Policy Institute report on How to Raise Wages) At the state-level, Massachusetts could invest more in high-quality public education and in transportation systems that get people to work and get customers to businesses. One proposal would generate new funds for such investments by applying a higher tax rate to income above $1 million, also making our tax system fairer. High income taxpayers currently pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes. (MassBudget factsheet on tax fairness) Massachusetts also could raise wages for big box retail and fast food franchise workers. (National Employment Law Project report on the Growing Movement for $15) Happily, in the last year, Massachusetts has taken some important steps to help boost wages and improve working conditions, including raising our statewide minimum wage, requiring most employers to provide earned paid sick time, and increasing the value of our state Earned Income Tax Credit. There are meaningful steps that could be taken at the state and national levels, to reverse the negative trends of recent decades, improving working conditions and raising wages and incomes for millions of working families. Significant progress towards creating an economy that supports broadly shared prosperity is possible. This would give us all something to celebrate, not just on Labor Day, but every day of the year. (See also U.S. Department of Labor website for more on the history of Labor Day) The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Labor Day and 'back to school' week

The wikipedia entry for Labor Day reads in part:

To take advantage of large numbers of potential customers free to shop, Labor Day has become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season's Black Friday.^[7] 

Ironically, because of the importance of the sale weekend, some of those who are employed in the retail sector not only work on Labor Day, but work longer hours. More Americans work in the retail industry than any other, with retail employment making up 24% of all jobs in the United States.^[8] As of 2012, only 3% of those employed in the retail sector were members of a labor union.^[8]

Parmenter School sign with opening schedule for 2014-2015 school year

Labor Day is also the traditional end of summer and return to school. Franklin schools got out early in June 2014 in part due to the snow days but also deliberately to assist with the move out of the old FHS building. Schools are also opening after Labor Day this year to provide the time for the new FHS building to get completed (construction has been) and the facility moved into (by faculty, etc.).

In elementary, Grades 1-5 report on Sep 3

Friday Sep 5, there is a one hour Kindergarten orientation and on Monday, Sep 8th, Kindergarten will start their full day schedule.

The K schedule is different this year due to a new state requirement for an assessment of all kndergarteners.  The K teachers are being trained on the assessment process, Weds and Thur (Sep 3-4).

Middle school and high school opens for all grades on Sep 3

Franklin Liquors - Labor Day Sale

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Franklin Liquors Web Page Labor Day Newsletter   Dear Stephen,   As Labor Day Approaches There Is Bad News Summer Is Ending. Good News Football Is Starting And Kids Go Back To School. This Newsletter Has Our Labor Day Sale Items And New Seasonal Items In Stock.    Have A Safe Labor Day Franklin Liquors Mike & Mark             Franklin Liquors 363 East Central St 508-528-7338 Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00AM-9:00PM Fri&Sat 9:00AM-9:00PM Sunday 12:00PM (STATE LAW)-6PM OPEN LABOR DAY 9-9 Family Owned Vintage 1978          Franklin Wine Club Information: Now Over 80 Wine Explorers!!   Wine Club Site Check In Specials For Foursquare And Facebook    NEW WAY TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER Text FRANKLIN To 22828    Labor Day Sale Items Ends 9-5-14   Wine   750ml's Unless Noted Blends Caymus White $18.99 Clos Du Bois Marlstone $34.99 Col Solare 2004 $59.99 Benziger Reserve Biodynamic Red $29.99 Peirano Red Shorts Red $9.99 A-Z Night&Day $17.99 Mommy's Time Out $7.99 Ferrari Carano Siena $24.99 Tannu $11.99 Teresa Raiz $29.99 Bordeaux Chateau De La Cour D'Argent 2010 $17.99 Chateau Mont-Perat 2005 $22.99 Cabernet Sauvignon Six Hats $9.99 BV Georges De Latour 1999,2001 $99.99 Divining Rod $12.99 Chatom Vineyards $17.99 Kenwood Artist 1995 $49.99 Martin Ray Diamond Mountain 1999 $63.99 Shingleback $18.99 Rays Station $12.99 Clos Du Bois Marlstone $34.99 Halter Ranch $23.99 The Calling $29.99 Charles Krug Yountville $24.99 Roblar $22.99 Foxglove $15.99 Gouguenheim $9.99 Ironside $14.99 Chardonnay Adelsheim $17.99 Bianchi $15.99 Tobin James Radiance $15.99 Dutton $18.99 Ferrari Carano $23.99 Louis Lator Grand Ardeche $10.99 Tormaresca $9.99 Hybrid $11.99 Laetitia $15.99 Talbott Logan $17.99 Gary Farrell RR  $29.99 Girard $19.99 Highway 12 $17.99 Chianti Gabbiano $7.99 Dievole $7.99 Arancio $7.99 Piccini Brunello Riserva $44.99 Dolcetto Renato Ratti $14.99 Grenache Andezon $12.99 Jaboulet Parallele 45 $11.99 Fuego 2012 $9.99 Breca 2011 $16.99 Gruner Veltliner Wachau $10.99 Lemberger Kiona $11.99 Malbec Bazan $12.99 Victor Hugo (SIGNED BOTTLES) $17.99 Terrazas $12.99 Merlot St Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate $17.99 Roblar $15.99 Cameron Hughes Lot 356 $19.99 Maggio $9.99 Canoe Ridge Expedition $17.99 Merryvale Starmont $11.99 Moscato Ajeloo Zibibbo $9.99 Petite Sirah Hybrid $9.99 Muscadet Chateau De La Botiniere $10.99 Pinot Grigio Hybrid $11.99 Mosby $12.99 Beachhouse $9.99 90+ $9.99 Love Block $17.99 Pinot Noir Bianchi Edna Valley $23.99 Johan $23.99 Grady $19.99 Anthonny Nappa WHITE Pinot Noir $19.99 Forenzo $18.99 Buena Vista Carneros $19.99 Soter Planet $18.99 Zoll Cellars (Local) $22.99 Gouguenheim $9.99 Pietra Santa $15.99 Roblar $19.99 Ventana $17.99 Kris $11.99 Riesling Anthony Nappa Luminous $16.99 Zoll Cellars (Local) $14.99 Thomas Goss $13.99 Rioja Palacio Verano $13.99 The Saint $14.99 Sangiovese (Chianti) Arancio $7.99 Piccini Brunello Riserva $44.99 Sauvignon Blanc Chateau St Jean Fume Blanc $10.99 Love Block $17.99 Pomelo $9.99 Lobster Reef $9.99 Rotation $9.99 Taft St $13.99 Shiraz Boarding Pass $12.99 Chocolate Box $19.99 D'Arenberg Footbolt $17.99 Fetish Watcher $22.99 Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage $15.99 Shingleback $19.99 White Oak $24.99 Torrontes Crios $12.99 Sparkling Chocolate Shop $9.99 Dessert Chocolate Shop Mint&Strawberry $9.99 Chocolate Shop 1.5L Box $11.99 Eos Zinfandel Port 375ml $19.99 1.5l Specials Mossback Pinot Noir $29.99 St Michelle 1.5L $19.99 Bella Sera  Chianti 1.5L $10.99 Lolailo Sangria 1.5l $9.99   Beer     30Pks Coors $21.99 Coors Light $21.99 Ultra $21.99 24pks Bud bottles $17.99 Bud Light bottles $17.99 18Pks Rolling Rock Can&Bottle $10.99 12Pks All Harpoon $13.99 Corona $12.99 Corona Light $12.99 Jacks Abbey Framingham Lager $12.99 Lagunitas $13.99 All Beer + MA Bottle/Can Deposit Liquor     Gin Tanqueray 1.75l $34.99 Rum Bacardi 1.75l $24.99 Brugal 1888 750ml $39.99 Brugal Anejo 750ml $15.99 Captain Morgan Spiced 1.75l $29.99 Captain Morgan White 1.75l $29.99 Malibu 1.75l (Free Pineapple Juice) $24.99 Tequila Apocalypto 750ml $34.99 Cabo Wabo 750ml $34.99 Jose Cuervo 1.75l $34.99 Vodka Three Olives Flavors 750ml $17.99 Grey Goose 1.75l $55.99 Svedka 1.75l $19.99 Stoli 1.75l $31.99 V-One 750ml $24.99 Titos 1.75l $29.99 Whiskey/Bourbon/Scotch Jim Beam 1.75l $26.99 CC 1.75l $19.99 Dewar's 1.75l $35.99 Southern Comfort And Pepper 1.75 $28.99 Knob Creek 1.75l $49.99 New Seasonal Items In Stock Pumpkin Beers Harpoon UFO Dogfish Head Shipyard   Southern Tier Imperial Pumking Magic Hat Wolaver's Harpoon Pumpkin Cider Blue Moon Shock Top Fall/Octoberfest Beers Longtrail Harvest Brown Ale Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest Harpoon Octoberfest   Sam Adams Octoberfest   Sam Adams Harvest Collection Cider Angry Orchard Woodchuck Magners Zoll Cellars  Liqueurs Cranberry Sugar Maple Pumpkin Cream Pumpkin Liqueur Wine Arbor Mist Carmel Apple Vodka Pumpkin Pie Carmel Apple Find Us Online    2014 Voted GOLD Medal BEST Liquor Store In 15 Town Region AND Town Of Franklin!! www.franklinliquors.com Like Us On Facebook   Follow Us On Twitter   Our Latest Specials http://www.franklinliquors.com/SPECIALS.htm Certified Specialist Of Wine CWS Certified Specialist Of Spirits CSS Society Of Wine Educators First In MA With The Tittle Of California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School Certified Quini Educator CQE     Upcoming Events Franklin Wine Club Meetings    Wine Explorers wanted! How To attend and join Meetup Franklin Adult Education Classes Fall 2014   Fall Franklin Adult Education    Past Newsletters Liquor Industry News/Links 8-23-14 08-23-2014 09:38:04 AM Liquor Industry News/Links 8-23-14 By: Mark C Lenzi CSW, CSS, CWAS*   Hasn't Summer Flown By?? You Can Tell Fall Is Coming As All The Pumpkin And Oktoberfest Beers Are In Stock! Are You Interested In Sam Adams Seasonal Beers? Our Meetup Wine Club Is Having An Oktoberfest Tasting With Sam Adams. Details Here: http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/186868562/ [...]...» Liquor Industry News/Links 8-16-14 08-16-2014 10:25:00 AM Liquor Industry News/Links 8-16-14 By: Mark C Lenzi CSW, CSS, CWAS*   Happy Tax Free Weekend! This Week Our Franklin Adult Education Classes Have Been Announced. Starting In October We Will Have Three Classes. Wine Tasting Using Technology Wine And Pie Tasting And Wine And Holiday Cookie Tasting To Sign Up And See Coarse Description [...]...» Liquor Industry News/Links 8-9-14 08-09-2014 10:15:43 AM Liquor Industry News/Links 8-9-14 By: Mark C Lenzi CSW, CSS, CWAS* What A Great Time Of Year This Is.: Summer Products Start To Convert To Fall California Wine Harvest Is Starting Football Pre Season Is Here (GO PATS) Back To School Shopping And Finally We Get Some Vacation Time To Relax With Family. Research Never [...]...» Liquor Industry News/Links 8-2-14 08-02-2014 09:10:30 AM Liquor Industry News/Links 8-2-14 By: Mark C Lenzi CSW, CSS, CWAS*   Its August Already And Summer Is Going Fast. Next Week Oktoberfest And Pumpkin Beers Are Due In. Soon We Will Launch An Exciting New Loyalty Program In Partnership With Quini. quiniwine.com Take Care Franklin Liquors Mike & Mark   Liquor Industry Week In [...]...» Quini Save  10-20% on 750ml wines   We offer an EVERYDAY discount on 750ml wines. Save 10% on 6 and 20% on 12 bottles.  You can mix or match!  BEST Wine discount   and selection around!

Franklin Liquors | 363 East Central St | Franklin | MA | 02038