The “Fight for $15” movement has been rebranded as: fight for unionshas been fighting for workers’ rights for 10 years. Now their efforts are paying off.
with wages That’s not all anymore progressive issues, new research According to an announcement by the advocacy group Economic Jobs Law Project, 21 states across the country will implement minimum wage increases starting January 1, 2025. This includes traditionally conservative states such as Missouri, Arizona, Illinois, Nebraska, Montana and Alaska.
Additionally, Oregon and Florida are scheduled to introduce wage increases in July. missouri and alaskaIn November, states that supported Mr. Trump by wide margins passed legislation raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Minimum wages are also improving at the local level, with 88 jurisdictions implementing increases, according to the EELP report.
But it’s still progressive home states that lead with the highest wage increases. Washington state has the highest rate at $16.66, followed closely by California at $16.50 for most workers. New York state requires $16.50 for workers in New York City and $15.50 for employees in other parts of the state.
But voters of all political persuasions agree That the minimum wage should be raised.
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, but all states that do not have a federal minimum wage specify otherwise. It was first passed in 2007 and has not increased since 2009. longest stretch There has been no increase since the United States established the federal wage standard in 1938.
Even if you worked 40 hours a week at the current federal minimum wage, you would earn just $15,000 a year. this is, federal poverty level.
While the Democratic Party reaffirmed its support Regarding raising the federal minimum wage, met with resistance From some Republicans. In it, the Republican Party states: Platform guide “We will continue to press Congress to increase the rate to at least $15 for all Americans.”
After President Joe Biden express support Toward raising the federal minimum wage in October 2020 discussionPresident Donald Trump has said raising the minimum wage will hurt businesses.
“Did he say we have to support small businesses by raising the minimum wage? That’s not helpful. I think that should be a national option,” he said.
Well, as it turns out, the states seem to have it in their hands.
If Congress fails to act to raise the federal minimum wage, states will step up to keep workers from being pushed into poverty, perhaps paving the way for a more prosperous future for workers.
