The House Labor committee voted nine-to-six against legislation requiring private employers to pay men and woman the same for similar work. Studies show that Louisiana has the largest gender wage gap in the country, but Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says men are more willing to work on holidays, work longer hours and perform more dangerous work.
Cut 13 (07) “…pay better.”
There has been a bit of relief at the pump recently, which is welcomed news as the summer driving season draws closer. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says going into the summer, AAA is forecasting the price of fuel to be similar or cheaper than last year, but the price is ultimately subject to the news of the day.
Cut 9 (08) “…the picture today.”
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The House Labor Committee rejects a proposal to allow local governments to set their own minimum wage. A 1997 Louisiana law prohibits parishes and cities from setting their own local minimum wage rates. But New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says local government bodies know what their workers need…
Cut 3 (09) “…economies.”
DuPlessis says the current 7.25 statwide minimum is not a liveable wage.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry opposed the measure. VP of Governmental Relations Jim Patterson says the proposal would place undue burden on statewide businesses.
Cut 4 (07) “…untenable”
But Patterson warned that allowing those cities to raise wages to what they consider “live-able” levels would result in layoffs.