California Minimum Wage Increases to $9 per hour – Local Rates also on Rise

July 14, 2014 by Dalisai Nisperos

Workers in California must earn a minimum wage of $9 per hour as of July 1, 2014.  This is the first statewide minimum wage increase in six years.  On January 1, 2016 California’s minimum wage will increase again to $10 per hour.  These increases are representative of many efforts across the nation and within states and municipalities seeking ways to see that low-wage workers share in the economic recovery being felt by top wage earners. Below are some of the efforts across California to increase the minimum wage.

Local efforts to increase wages will raise the minimum wage even further in cities throughout the state.  San Francisco’s minimum wage, currently $10.74 per hour, will increase to $12.25 in May 2015 and $15 in 2018.  In November 2014, a City of Oakland ballot measure could increase the City’s minimum wage to $12.25 an hour with additional cost of living increases, and require Oakland employers to offer paid sick days to their employees.  The City of San Jose similarly requires employers to pay a minimum wage of $10 per hour with annual cost of living increases.  These increases represent important improvements in the working conditions of low wage workers.  Federal law currently requires a minimum hourly wage of only $7.25.

Beeson, Tayer and Bodine (BT&B) has been representing employees and unions since 1936 in the wage disputes and collective bargaining activities.  We continue to advocate for a living wage and other legal protections for employees.  You can contact us at one of our legal offices in Oakland or Sacramento for an objective review of problems at work.  In addition to advocacy in employment and labor law we also can support mediation, benefits and trusts and collaborative labor relations.

The material on this website is provided by Beeson, Tayer & Bodine for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented. Some of the articles are updated periodically, and are marked with the date of the last update. Again, readers should consult with their own legal counsel for the most current information and to obtain professional advice before acting on any of the information presented.