While most New Mexico municipalities update their minimum wage rates in January, Santa Fe stands apart from the pack with an annual increase to the city living wage on March 1. With the most recent increase already in effect, the city has finally released the mandatory poster. Employers with workers operating within the city should should ensure that the 2019 Santa Fe Living Wage Poster is posted in the workplace where employees can readily see it.
City of Santa Fe Living Wage Ordinance
In 2004 Santa Fe voters approved a “living wage” ordinance to raise the municipal minimum wage above the state level. The ordinance states that “The public welfare, health, safety, and prosperity of Santa Fe require wages and benefits sufficient to ensure a decent and healthy life for workers and their families” (Santa Fe Code, Sec. 28-1.2-A).
The minimum wage was originally set at $8.40 per hour, effective January 1, 2004, but is adjusted annually in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the western region for urban wage earners and clerical workers.
2019 Santa Fe Minimum Wage Increase
As of March 1, 2019, the living wage for full-time permanent workers in the city of Santa Fe is $set at 11.80 per hour. Employers may use a tip credit for employees who customarily receive more than $100.00 per month in tips.
Covered employers are required to post and display the 2019 Santa Fe Living Wage Poster in English and Spanish in a prominent location on the business premises. It must be posted next to the organization’s business license or registration. (Santa Fe Code, Sec. 28-1.11) CPC provides this poster in a bilingual English/Spanish format for $13.95, full-color and Poly Vinyl to prevent tearing or defacing.
The city’s Living Wage Ordinance applies to:
- Businesses required to have a business license or registration from the city
- Contractors who have a contract for services including construction services, but excluding purchases of goods, where the total contract amount with the city is equal to or greater than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000)
- Businesses receiving assistance relating to economic development in the form of grants, subsidies, loan guarantees or industrial revenue bonds greater than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)
- Nonprofit organizations, except nonprofit organizations whose primary source of funds is Medicaid
New Mexico employers should be aware that the state saw additional municipal minimum wage changes for Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Las Cruces on January 1, 2019. (Click here for more info on January 1 city & county minimum wage increases.) Unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County also have their own living wage which is adjusted for inflation in March of every year.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CPC!
To keep up with the latest in labor law news and posting compliance, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter or subscribe to this blog! You can also contact us by phone, email, or chat to order one of CPC’s signature labor law compliance products or learn more about your company’s individualized posting obligations.
Please keep in mind that CPC cannot provide legal advice. If you have a question about how labor law applies to your specific workplace situation, please consult your local labor department or an employment lawyer.
|
|