Minimum Wage Increase Welcome but Not Enough – National Consumers League

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By Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director

We would be remiss at the National Consumers League if we let go unremarked that the *Federal minimum wage is set to rise to $7.25 an hour on July 24, just a day away. The federal minimum wage law was first enacted in 1938 as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and was adopted as part of a sustained campaign by FDR’s Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, who was NCL’s New York director in the early part of the 20th century.

The women who established the NCL in the early years of the 20th century wrote the first state minimum wage laws and continued to fight for a federal minimum wage because employers could avoid higher wages by taking their businesses across state lines. While Florence Kelley, NCL’s first General Secretary, would have been proud that her legacy lives on in these federal minimum wage increases, she also likely would have been distressed at how little minimum wage workers still earn on an annual basis.

Even so, each time the minimum wage rises, the business community predicts much doom and gloom for the economy. For example, during the in 2007 debate in Congress over raising the minimum wage for the first time in 10 years, the National Restaurant Association claimed that the minimum wage increase would lead to a reduction of 146,000 jobs.

The labor-oriented *Economic Policy Institute estimates that 4 percent of the work force, or 5.6 million workers, earn less than $7.25 an hour. Minimum wage workers who get the additional boost to $7.25 an hour will earn just above $15,000 yearly before taxes for a 52-week work year.

The fact is, before 2007 when minimum wages were finally increased after a decade, minimum wage levels were at their lowest real value in over 50 years. This was the longest stretch of federal inaction since the minimum wage was first instated in 1938. Finally, it was increased to $6.55 per hour in July 24, 2008; and now $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.

For those workers who toil for our economy’s the lowest wages, this increase will bring some welcome additional funds to their families. However, the annual salary for minimum wage workers in America is far from a living wage, something Florence Kelley and the founders of the National Consumers League fought to achieve. We agree with Congressman George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee who was *quoted in the Associated Press as observing:

“In the wealthiest country in the history of the world, it is an outrage that anyone who works full time would still wind up in poverty. Everyone who puts in an honest day’s work should receive a fair day’s pay.”

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Sotomayor’s Consumer Decisions – National Consumers League

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By Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director

While the Senate hearings for Supreme Court Justice nominee were going on last week, the National Consumers League took a look at President Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee — Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s — and her record on consumer issues. NCL reviewed a series of cases that had been identified by the nonprofit group, Alliance for Justice, as related to consumer matters.

What we found gave us comfort. Judge Sotomayor’s handful of consumer-related decisions demonstrate a sympathy for the average consumer against those who would scam them or hide provisions in the fine print. Sotomayor upheld the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to levy a hefty fine on one company and restitution for its victims.  She also seems reluctant to throw plaintiffs out of court on a technicality, protecting protects their right to seek redress.

Read our analysis, Judge_Sotomayor’s_Record_on_Consumer_Issues, of decisions on cases that we thought would be of interest to consumers and other readers of this blog.

Happy Blueberry Month! – National Consumers League

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By Mimi Johnson, NCL Health Policy Associate

Blueberries are my all-time favorite food.  Whether frozen, fresh, or preserved, they are truly nature’s treat, and July has been designated as the month for celebrating these wonderfully nutritious berries.  In honor of the blueberry, I recently traveled to a local farm and picked a few buckets’ worth.

While you don’t have to spend your Saturday laboring away for berries, your local farmers’ markets and grocery stores will likely have the fresh stuff in stock – the peak season runs mid-May through August.  If you can’t get your hands on fresh ones, frozen berries pack the same punch.

*Blueberries are rich in antioxidants – the richest of any fruit – and help block bacteria from sticking around in the body.  Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as manganese and fiber.  In addition to promoting brain health, blueberries are also believed to help reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Including blueberries in a diet rich in *vegetables and fruit can help lower your risk for chronic conditions and help maintain a healthy weight.  The summer months make it easy to fill your plate with colorful, nutrient-rich foods.  To see if your meals need some help, visit the CDC’s interactive site where you can learn how to better reap the benefits of fruit and veggies.

If you’re interested in picking up some fresh berries or other healthy produce, head to your local farmers’ market.  Many markets offer cooking demonstrations and farmers are always ready to share their tried and true recipes.

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Recession-Fueled Fraud Increases the Need for a Federal Role in Fraud-Fighting – National Consumers League

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By John Breyault, Vice President for Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud

Consumer misery – in the form of rampant unemployment, high foreclosure rates, and dwindling retirement savings – is blood in the water for scammers. These con artists know that consumers in desperate financial straits are more vulnerable to the kinds of frauds these criminals routinely peddle. Unfortunately, the worst economy in a generation has caused the traditional “boots on the ground” of consumer protection – state and local consumer agencies – to see their already-slim budgets slashed to the bone or eliminated altogether. Given these disturbing trends, consumers will increasingly depend on federal authorities to protect them from the growing threat of fraud.

This was the message that NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg delivered to a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday in *testimony on the impact of the economic meltdown on consumer fraud. Greenberg was asked to testify by the committee thanks in part to the work that NCL’s Fraud Center does every day to educate consumers about consumer fraud and alert authorities when victims come to NCL looking for help.

“Absent increased action at the federal level to bring scam artists to justice and educate consumers about the threat of fraud, consumers will be caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place,” noted Greenberg in her testimony.

To address these issues, Greenberg offered several recommendations, including beefing up staffing levels and enforcement budgets at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), making the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel database open and searchable by the public, and creating a consumer education grant program to help state, local, and non-profit organizations launch innovative anti-fraud projects.

In support of Greenberg’s testimony, NCL released its *semi-annual rankings of the top ten frauds reported to the Fraud Center.  Fake check scams again topped the scam category rankings, increasing by more than 4% of the total complaints submitted. Complaints involving prizes, sweepstakes, or free gifts also increased, particularly among fraud perpetrated by telemarketers. In response to the continued growth of fake check-related complaints, NCL in 2009 has begun to look deeper into the scams behind the fake checks. Our six-month review indicated scams involving fake mystery-shopping jobs, phony sweepstakes winnings, and overpayment for goods made up more than 65% of the total fake check scam complaints received. NCL believes that consumers’ vulnerability all three scam types is closely linked to difficult financial circumstances, which are likely exacerbated by the worsening economic climate.

Click here to see video of the Senate hearings on fraud linked to the recession, including NCL’s remarks.

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Wal-Mart Steps out on Health Care Reform, Prompting Attack by Retail Federation – National Consumers League

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By Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director

 

As the Congress begins to consider several different approaches to universal health insurance, Wal-Mart, the giant retailer, has come out in favor of an employer mandate to cover health insurance. That alone is a breakthrough for health care reform since Wal-Mart has been *heavily criticized for its record of poor worker pay and benefits, including lack of affordable health care. In response to criticism from unions, Wal-Mart now provides health care to 52 percent of its workers, up from 46 percent three years ago.

What is shocking is that the National Retail Federation, a federation of retailers across the United States, is condemning Wal-Mart’s actions and is encouraging its members to take a stand against Wal-Mart. “They [members of the federation] really don’t want Wal-Mart to define the health care debate,” said a spokesman for the retail federation.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, the retail industry covers only 45 percent of its workers. Some retailers have expanded their health care coverage — Toys R Us and Home Depot included — in an effort to reduce employee turnover. And others have stood out for a long time as exemplary in the coverage they provide; Costco Wholesale Corporation has for years had generous health benefits for its employees, and more than 90 percent have coverage. Costco officials say that providing these benefits has boosted employees’ productivity.

So what do the bills say about an employer health care mandate? The *House bill would require most employers over a certain size to provide workers with basic benefits or contribute up to 8 percent of their payroll toward helping the government pay for their coverage. A Senate bill would place a larger obligation on employers of low wage workers. Wal-Mart told the Wall Street Journal that “…we believe we have taken a pro-business position. The present system is not sustainable.”

Wal-Mart support for an employer mandate was expressed in a letter sent to the White House that was co-signed by Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union (which holds a seat on the NCL board) and John Podesta, CEO of the Center for American Progress.

It’s a shame that in 2009 we have a major force in American business taking such a reactionary position on the coverage of basic health benefits. America is the only industrialized country that doesn’t provide health coverage for its people. The National Retail Federation should take a page from one of its own, Costco, which has shown that providing good benefits and health insurance to workers actually increases productivity and improves its bottom line.

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Tips to Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Summer – National Consumers League

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Though summer may be in full swing and we might be in relaxation mode, it is all the more important we stay consumer savvy.

Sunny days may bring a smile to our faces and give us our daily dose of vitamin D, but we have to be prepared and protected so that we don’t get too much of a good thing.  It’s important to wear a hat (with a brim and ideally one that offers the face and ears protection), limit exposure between 10am and 4pm, wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection, and *use sunscreen.  When using sunscreen, there are a few things to remember:

  • use broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays
  • use SPF 15 at a minimum
  • apply at least 30 minutes before going outside so that it can be absorbed
  • apply even on cloudy days
  • reapply at least every 2 hours – more if you are in water or staying active and sweating

With longer, warmer days, it makes it all the easier to get out and get active. Whether biking, swimming or walking, it’s important to *do so safely.  Wear a helmet, and appropriate padding, when you take the wheels.  When swimming, stay alert and practice some safe tips like swimming with a partner, knowing your limits, staying in safe swimming areas (and avoiding currents, deep water, etc.), being careful about diving, and keeping protected from the sun.  If you plan to exercise, try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine beforehand, as it can cause dehydration.  Stretch your muscles out before any activity to prevent injury.  And one of the most important things to remember when getting out and active this summer is to stay hydrated!

With all the excitement of summer, it’s also important to take some time to relax a bit, whether it means you take a vacation or a staycation.  It’s important that you take some time to unplug, unwind and give your body a much needed break – it can actually help lower our blood pressure.

So whether going for a relaxing stroll or splashing around in a pool, stay safe and consumer savvy this summer!

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Declare Your Health Care Independence! – National Consumers League

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By Mimi Johnson, NCL Health Policy Associate

Health care reform is the talk of this town these days, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make it the talk of your town. In fact, Senators and Congressmen alike have recently returned to their home states to celebrate our nation’s birthday. With their return to your neighborhood comes and opportunity for YOU to speak out for health reform.

In fact, July 2nd was designated as “Health Care Independence Day”, and this month, you’re encouraged to wave your flags and act patriotically before your politicians to help illustrate that you – *and 85% of Americans – are ready for a change.

I’m heading back to Wisconsin and I hope to visit my Congressman’s office, donning red, white, and blue to ensure access to quality health care for me and you.

Please share your health care stories – whether your inspiration for reform or your activities of support. We are always eager to hear from you – and we encourage you to reach out to your Senators, Congressmen, and local media.

Happy Birthday, America! Let’s hope next year we can celebrate as an insured nation!

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Common Pain Relievers Under Scrutiny – National Consumers League

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By Rebecca Burkholder, NCL Vice President for Health Policy

Americans love our pain relievers, but health advocates are increasingly concerned that they can be dangerous to our health if not taken safely. Last week a *FDA Advisory Committee recommended to lower the maximum does of acetaminophen, a key ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers (like Tylenol and many generic versions, like the ones sold at CVS, Target, and other pharmacies), and to ban prescription drugs that combine acetaminophen with other drugs. I attended the FDA hearing to give NCL’s view on consumer acetaminophen and hear what the experts are saying about the danger of too much acetaminophen.

High doses of acetaminophen are the leading causes of *liver injury in the United States. More that 400 people die and 56,000 visit the emergency room every year in the United States due to acetaminophen overdoses. Consumers don’t know that acetaminophen is an active ingredient in many OTC products, or that it is dangerous to take too much acetaminophen. In fact, almost half of all adults are not sure of the main active ingredient in the OTC pain medication they take most often, and two-thirds of consumers who use OTC acetaminophen are not concerned about overdoses, according to the preliminary results of a new NCL survey of consumer use and attitude towards pain relievers.

To prevent some of these accidental overdoses, the FDA Advisory Committee is recommending that the federal health agency reduce the maximum single adult dose of OTC acetaminophen from 1,000 mg (two 500 mg strength tablets) to 650 mg (two 325 mg strength tablets). The Committee also discussed *the dangers of combination prescription pain relievers that contain acetaminophen, as well as other drugs – over long periods of time, many consumers take more to relieve their pain and they mistakenly take with other medications also containing acetaminophen. The Committee voted to ban these combination prescription drugs containing acetaminophen (such as Percocet and Vicoden – two of the most popular pain relievers). The FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, but it often does.

NCL shared with the Committee the preliminary results of our recent survey on acetaminophen and emphasized the need to remind consumers that just because a drug is available at their local drug store or supermarket, does not mean it is risk-free. We also announced that we will be launching a public education campaign to help consumers understand how to use acetaminophen – with a special focus on teens and Hispanics. Next time you reach for a pill to relieve your pain – *remember to take it safely.

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Work in Ag Tops Five Worst Teen Jobs – National Consumers League

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By Lauren Perez, NCL Communications Intern

Lauren Perez is the communications intern at the National Consumers League.  She is a senior at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.  She is majoring in Journalism and Political Science.

With school out and summer underway, many teens are already employed. The National Institute for Occupations Health and Safety reported that *2.6 million youth ages 15-17 are employed. Just last year, in 2008, 34.2% of teens were employed in summer jobs.

Each year, NCL advises teens and their parents about how to choose a summer job carefully; even legal work for teens pose hidden dangers and some jobs out there are illegal for teens to perform altogether.

NCL recently released the *2009 Five Worst Teen Jobs report, a list of the top five jobs that pose the most potential danger to teen workers. Throughout this summer, we will be highlighting each of the most dangerous jobs, detailing the hazards on the job and providing more information on how youth workers can stay safe.

First up: Agriculture: Harvesting Crops

 

Agriculture work is the most dangerous for young workers. Youth workers in agriculture can be subject to overexertion, high-intensity noise and contact with chemicals. Long hours working in the sun can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and being exposed to dust, gas and moldy hay can create respiratory problems.

Agricultural job hazards also include using heavy machinery, especially tractors. From 1992 – 2000, 42% of youth workers killed were in farming jobs and *one third of these fatalities involved tractors. In 2002, an *11-year-old boy was killed when the tractor he was using to move large bales of hall rolled over. The boy was working alone and was found when he did not return to the farm.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health urges young workers to know and follow safe work practices, such as wearing seatbelts when provided, being properly trained and using equipment that is appropriate for their size and age. NIOSH also recommends that young workers use protective clothing and sunblock, take breaks from working in the sun and drink plenty of water.

Youth who work in agriculture are limited by the Fair Labor Standards Act in the *type of work and amount of work that they may do. Youth agricultural workers must be at least 14 years of age. Workers who are between the ages of 14 and 15 may only work outside of school hours in non-manufacturing, non-mining, non-hazardous jobs. Youth workers aged 16 to 17 may perform any non-hazardous job for unlimited hours.

Child Labor Laws restrict young workers under the age of 16 from handling certain chemicals and pesticides. When working with chemicals, employers are required to provide training to all workers who will be in contact with the chemicals six days prior to the start of work.

State laws may also have more strict laws for employers to follow when hiring youth workers. The U.S. Department of Labor can provide more information on state child labors laws for *agricultural jobs.

NCL has also assembled tips for teens and their parents *here.

Next up: Construction and Height Work.

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.

Food Safety Tips for Independence Day Picnicking – National Consumers League

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Holidays are often busy times for people spending time with families and friends. With sunshine, good company, and fireworks to come, food safety might not be the first thing on your mind, but when picnicking and barbecuing it can be challenging to keep your food safe.  Here are a few tips on how to keep your food free from harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses:

  • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.  At outdoor temperatures, harmful bacteria grow rapidly.
  • Never save leftovers.  Discard anything left over.
  • Discard prepared food if it has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

For more detailed information on keeping food safe while picnicking, check out these links on “*Safe Picnicking and Grilling”  and “*Safety on Your Picnic.”

If you’re going camping this weekend, here is a handy checklist to make sure you’re remembering everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

 

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings.