Vice President Joe Biden toured a North Hollywood business Wednesday and hailed local leaders for moving ahead with increases in the minimum wage, saying that earning a living wage isn’t just about finances, but dignity.
“Treating your employees with respect … (is) not only the right thing to do, it’s really smart business,” Biden said at Bobrick Washroom Equipment, 6901 Tujunga Ave.
Biden said he spoke to workers at the company — which has been in business since 1906 — and found that some had been there for more than 20 years. Bobrick touts the company as having a “strong commitment to employee development.”
“They’re excited about working here,” Biden said. “Most of all because they’re treated with respect.”
He said being treated well by employers and earning a living wage is “about your dignity.” He said there is no worse feeling than working 40 hours a week but having your child come to you with a problem or need, “and knowing you can’t meet that need.”
Biden also praised Mayor Eric Garcetti and County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl for their leadership in pushing through increases in the minimum wage. The county Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to boost the minimum wage in unincorporated areas to $15 an hour by 2020, mirroring the increase already approved by the city of Los Angeles.
Biden also plans to attend an evening fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire hotel benefiting the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to the White House.
Ninio Fetalvo, spokesman for the Republican National Committee, criticized Biden for the taxpayer-funded West Coast swing.
“As Vice President Biden swings through the Golden State on the taxpayer dime, people are wondering if he will challenge Hillary Clinton in the Democrat primary,” Fetalvo said. “But what is clear is that the American people are tired of the same failed Democrat policies that continue to leave the middle class behind.”
Although details of Biden’s travel plans around the Southland were not released, Los Angeles police advised motorists to avoid selected areas while he is in town. Southbound Rodeo Drive and El Camino Drive from Wilshire Boulevard have already been closed and will remain blocked until 11 a.m. Thursday.
Biden is scheduled to leave Los Angeles Thursday. Police advised motorists on Thursday to avoid the following areas:
— Wilshire between Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive from 9 to 11 a.m.;
— Santa Monica Boulevard between Sawtelle and Wilshire from 9 to 11 a.m.; and
— Sepulveda between Lincoln and Century boulevards from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
— City News Service