While the Silicon Valley economy is sizzling hot with corporate profits in the billions, middle-class families are hurting from stagnant wages and a rising cost of living. Between 2000 and 2012, Apple profits grew by a whopping 5,209 percent to more than $41 billion. Meanwhile, median worker income in Silicon Valley actually shrank by 12 percent. In Silicon Valley there is prosperity for some, and hardship for many.
The good news is, as Associated Press reporter Mendoza writes, “While some are struggling to survive, others are fighting back.”
In her recent story Mendoza features 44-year-old Silicon Valley security officer Arwin Buditom, who is both struggling to survive AND fighting back. Buditom is among the 5,000 security officers in Silicon Valley who are coming together to form a union in order to make Silicon Valley’s economy work for everyone, not just the rich.
Read Mendoza’s article: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/silicon-valley-boom-eludes-many-drives-income-gap
Photos from the Apple rally: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152106869704842.1073741893.103647004841&type=1
Alfredo Fletes is an organizer and communications specialist for SEIU-United Service Workers West.
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