Employment
New Orleans is the economic heart of the region and District C is the epicenter of much of that economic activity. Residents need good jobs that earn a living wage and provide quality benefits. The city is experiencing population loss partially due to the limited economic opportunities for workers. Attracting new high paying jobs isn’t enough to start the rebound, it starts with the jobs the city has now.
Living Wages
Louisiana does not have a minimum wage and defaults to the federal minimum of $7.25 which has been static for several decades. Our hard-working neighbors deserve a living wage to not live in poverty working a full-time job. Current estimates state that a $20 an hour living wage is necessary in New Orleans to afford basic living expenses. Jackson will fight for higher wages in the most important district in the city.
Increasing Union Density
Unions are an extremely vital part of our employment landscape. Basic norms of work like the 8-hour working day, 40-hour work week, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation are all union advocated ideas that are common practice today. Due to state law, New Orleans cannot set the minimum wage. Jackson supports union organizing that increase wages directly from employers. He is a strong advocate for unions and will continue to support them when on the city council.
Quality City Employment
The New Orleans city government is one of the largest employers in the parish. Unfortunately, wages for most positions do not match their corporate counterparts. Jackson supports comparable wages to encourage the best and brightest employees to work for the city. The city should expand employment opportunities to include sanitation, a conservation corps, and other essential services currently operated by outside contractors.
Promoting Small Businesses
Small businesses are the heart of our local economy. Our neighbors operate beloved institutions that employ thousands of residents. Jackson advocates for creating a startup fund for new businesses and renovating city owned buildings to facilitate startup spaces for new entrepreneurs. He wants small business to play a larger role in major events to spread the wealth to local entrepreneurs and their employees.