Contact: Heather Stuart, Heather@FairShotOregon.org
Fair Shot For All highlights big wins from labor unions, community groups, and racial justice organizations that address economic equality issues, combat racial and gender discrimination
PORTLAND, OR - Tuesday evening, Fair Shot For All held a meeting with the United Nations Working Group on Discrimination Against Women in Law and in Practice (UNWGDAW) as part of the group’s visit to the United States for an official fact-finding tour.The meeting was facilitated with the coordination of the US Human Rights Network (USHRN), a national network of organizations and individuals working to strengthen a human rights movement and culture within the United States led by the people most directly impacted by human rights violations. The Working Group is made up of five independent human rights experts charged by the UN Human Rights Council to help countries improve women’s human rights around the world.
“Oregon stands out as a place where social justice advocates are effectively partnering to take big, real steps to remove barriers to economic security for all Oregonians. We won campaigns to bring sick days to families across our state so they can see a doctor or recover when sick without losing needed pay or risking their job; "ban the box" on employment applications so people with previous arrests and convictions can get back to work to provide for their families, and created a state system that ensures every Oregonian has a secure and accessible path to save for retirement,“ said Andrea Paluso, spokesperson for the Fair Shot Coalition and Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon. “While we are very proud of these accomplishments, we know there is still so much left to do, like raise the minimum wage in our state. The average minimum wage worker is a 35 year old woman caring for family members, and too often her hard work isn’t enough to make ends meet because of high housing costs, low wages and benefits, and employer abuses such as unpaid overtime. The Fair Shot for All coalition will continue to fight for a higher minimum wage and other advances for women.”
The working group has visited several states to learn more about issues of discrimination against women. During their trip to Oregon, the group will document good practices and examine progressive laws in the areas of economic life and health. At the conclusion of their visit, the group will hold a press conference—on Friday, December 11, at 1pm at the United Nations Information Center, Washington, DC,—where they will deliver preliminary findings and recommendations. Their findings will later be presented to the UN Human Rights Council.
“We’re honored to have our work in Oregon recognized by the UN,” said Paluso. “The Fair Shot for All coalition is doing such important work by bringing together diverse Oregonians to work for equity for women, men of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ communities, and others who are too often left behind.”