With the help of more than 150 community organizations, faith groups and unions, including Local 888, Raise Up Massachusetts collected over 285,000 signatures for two ballot initiatives: raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing earned sick time for all workers. While both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature have passed different bills that would increase the minimum wage, there is no guarantee they will compromise to pass a bill that makes it to Governor Patrick's desk. That means that Raise Up will need to collect another 60,000 signatures from May 10th through June 18th to ensure the two questions qualify for a place on the 2014 ballot.

Members who would like to help gather signatures in their communities should contact Dan Hoffer at dhoffer@seiu888.org or 617-241-3300 x3367.