This year more cities and counties are enacting minimum wage laws that promise a raise for local workers. Local minimum wage laws enacted this week are those for Seattle, WA, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD.
Seattle, WA
Signed into law on Monday, Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance is scheduled to make the city’s minimum wage rate the highest in the nation. Under the measure, the minimum wage rate will start at $10.00 per hour for small employers and $11.00 per hour for large employers beginning April 1, 2015. Subsequent increases will go into effect incrementally and eventually reach $15.00 per hour for all employers regardless of size. The rate amount will also depend on whether employees receive health benefits or tips. Currently, Washington’s state minimum wage is $9.32.
Maryland
Montgomery and Prince George’s County, MD, also enacted local minimum wage laws that will exceed the state minimum wage rate. In both locations, minimum wage rates will be phased in beginning October 1, 2014 when the minimum wage rate will be $8.40 per hour. By October 1, 2017 the rate will be $11.50 per hour. By comparison, the Maryland 2014 Minimum Wage Act passed last month sets the minimum wage rate at $8.00 per hour effective January 1, 2015. Planned increases in the statewide minimum wage take effect incrementally and will reach $10.10 per hour on July 1, 2018.
Across the country, many other municipalities are considering minimum wage laws. Employers are often required to post a related notice in the workplace. We are watching for these releases.