Latest news with #FairMinimumWageAct
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina minimum wage could increase to $22 if bill is approved
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina lawmakers will consider increasing minimum wage this session after two bills were filed proposing higher wages. Although the state's minimum wage hasn't changed in the last 15 years, the cost of living has, which is why advocates gathered at the General Assembly Tuesday pushing lawmakers to stand behind two proposed bills. The bills would increase the state's $7.25 minimum wage for the first time since 2009. At that time, minimum wage increased due to an increase at the federal level. The Economic Security Act, filed under House Bill 339 and Senate Bill 326, would increase minimum wage to $22 and hour, adjusting annually for inflation. It also eliminates the tipped minimum wage, which is currently $2.13 an hour right now. The second bill under consideration is the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would increase minimum wage to $10.00 an hour, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It would raise $2.00 per hour every year until at least 2030, making minimum wage $18.00 an hour on Jan. 1, 2030. After that, the amount would be determined annually by the Commissioner of Labor. Both bills passed on first reading in their chambers and are now referred out to committees. There are still several steps before either bill can be voted on. Lawmakers will have a number of questions to consider, including how much it would cost employers to increase wages and if consumers pay the price. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to raise North Carolina minimum wage filed by House Democrats
RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — A new bill filed in the North Carolina House of Representatives seeks to raise the minimum wage across the state. State Representatives Allison Dahl (D-District 11), Aisha Dew (D-District 111), Bryan Cohn (D-District 32) and Marcia Morey (D-District 30) filed House Bill 353 on Monday, entitled the 'Fair Minimum Wage Act.' The bill seeks to raise the minimum wage across the state to $10 per hour for an hourly wage employee in North Carolina effective Jan. 1, 2026. Every year after that, the minimum wage would raise an additional $2 per hour. D.H. Griffin cited by labor department after employee killed by train in Greensboro 'Beginning September 30, 2030, and on each September 30 thereafter, the Commissioner of Labor shall calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate indexed to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (All 29 Urban Consumers, U.S. City Average for All Items), CPI-I, or its successor index, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor for the 12-month period preceding the previous September 1,' the bill reads. 'Each adjusted minimum wage rate calculated shall be published on September 30 and take effect on the following January 1.' The bill also addresses wage theft and penalties for employers who do not pay their employees the minimum wage. 'Any employer who violates the provisions of G.S. 95-25.13 or any rule adopted under that section shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of their actual damages, including, but not limited to, lost wages and benefits plus interest and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs,' the bill states. North Carolina's current minimum wage is the same as the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour, though tipped employees can make less than the minimum wage. Read the full text of the bill here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC House bill aims to raise state minimum wage starting in 2026; here's how much
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A House bill filed this week looks to raise the state's minimum wage to $10.00 per hour in 2026, and then increase every year following that for at least four years. Right now, the state's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. House Bill 353 would make it $10.00 an hour effective January 1, 2026. If signed into law, the bill would also raise $2.00 per hour every year until at least 2030, making minimum wage $18.00 an hour on January 1, 2030. After that, the amount would be determined annually by the Commissioner of Labor. The bill, called the Fair Minimum Wage Act, was sponsored by Democratic Representative Marcia Morey. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum wage in the country at $17.50. NC is among several states with the same minimum wage as Federal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New house bill could raise minimum wage in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — North Carolina General Assembly Representatives Marcia Morey, Alison Dahl and Aisha Dew proposed a raise to the state minimum wage Bill 353, referred to as 'Fair Minimum Wage Act', would raise the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 to at least $10 in 2026. Minimum wage would also increase by two dollars every year annually and could even be set higher depending on the rate increase that will be announced every year. 'I think with the way this country is going, you know, everybody needs a little more money. We pay our staff pretty well here. You know, front of house staff is the normal front of house break down. But, you know, prices go up and wages stay the same. That's not really a good thing for the country. But, you know, we'll see how it goes and we'll take it in stride. Hopefully you know, we keep supporting local and coming out and eating some chicken.' said Ryan Griffin, co-owner of Nash Hot Chicken. The bill also addresses wage theft and penalties for employers who don't pay their employees minimum wage, making them liable to pay back lost wages, benefits and reasonable attorney fees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
