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City council hears clergy coalition urging living wage and endorses Sullivan global principles in concept
Summary
Religious leaders presented a report "Let Justice Roll Down" urging broader living-wage policies; the council voted unanimously to suspend rules and adopt in concept the global Sullivan principles and the theology-of-work recommendations.
Religious leaders and civic advocates on March 15 presented "Let Justice Roll Down," a report from a task force of faith organizations urging expanded living-wage policies and workplace protections. After the presentation the City Council voted unanimously to suspend the rules and adopt in concept the global Sullivan principles and related recommendations.
Bishop Fred Borsch, Rabbi Steven Jacobs and representatives of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other clergy described the report—s case for wage reforms, workplace dignity and corporate social responsibility. The delegation linked local living-wage efforts — including past Los Angeles measures to raise wages for some city-contracted workers — to broader campaigns for corporate accountability.
Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, founder of Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America and author of the original Sullivan Principles aimed at workplace justice in apartheid-era South Africa, addressed the council. Sullivan described the updated "global Sullivan principles" and called on cities and companies to adopt reporting and corporate conduct measures to protect workers globally. He asked Los Angeles to take a leadership role and require companies doing business in the city to uphold these principles.
Following the presentations, Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas moved to suspend the rules and adopt in concept the presentation of the Sullivan principles and the theology-of-work report; Councilmember Wax seconded. The chair put the motion to a roll call; the clerk recorded 13 ayes and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmembers who spoke in support framed the action as a formal, symbolic city endorsement of corporate accountability and living-wage principles and expressed willingness to work on implementing measures alongside community and religious groups. The motion directs city staff and the City Attorney to take the steps necessary to prepare any implementing ordinances or documents.
