JFK PLANS TO INTRODUCE BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE & INCREASE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On October 9, 1959, Senator John F. Kennedy addressed the delegates of the second convention of the Massachusetts Labor Council* of the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization meeting here in Boston.
In the speech given at the Statler-Hilton Hotel, Senator Kennedy said he plans to introduce a bill to raise the minimum wage and to increase unemployment compensation.
William J. Belanger, Union president, introduced a resolution asking the Senator to be a candidate for POTUS in 1960.
JFK responded...
"In Ecclesiastes it says 'There's a time to fish and a time to cut bait.' I believe this is the time to fish and January 1960 (will be) the time to cut bait."
*Massachusetts Labor Council, founded in 1958, is now know as the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The organization engages in political education, legislative action, and training. Its interests include jobs, workman's compensation, unemployment insurance & tax policy.
