Washington State 2011 Minimum Wage up to $8.67
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has announced that the state’s 2011 minimum wage will increase to $8.67, effective January 1, 2011. The 2011 minimum wage rate reflects a 12 cent increase from the current wage rate of $8.55.
Washington State has the highest minimum wage in the nation, but the announcement of the 2011 minimum wage did not come without controversy. Washington’s minimum wage rate is annually adjusted based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although the CPI increased in the last year, it has not risen to the level that the current wage rate is based upon. Also, like most states that tie the wage to inflation, Washington’s minimum wage law (RCW 49.46.020) makes no provision for lowering the amount, so the minimum wage stays flat even if the price index falls. Consequently, the minimum wage rate has remained the same throughout 2009 and 2010.
Compliance Poster Company’s updated 2011 Washington All-On-One poster and Peel ‘N Post will feature Washington State’s 2011 Minimum Wage posting expected to release in November.