DC City Council Approves $15 Minimum Wage

The DC City Council voted unanimously yesterday to raise the district’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020, joining California, New York, Seattle and other states and cities that have approved $15 wage floors.  
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“The Mayor and D.C. Council members are setting an example for the nation to follow by pushing one of the nation’s highest minimum wages to help dig men and women out of poverty,” said 32BJ Vice President Jaime Contreras. "Everyone who works for a living in D.C. ought to be able to make a living in the District," said Carlos Jimenez, Metro Council Executive Director. "As a result of this proposed legislation, more than 100,000 working people would see their wages increase." Click below to read more...
- photo: $15 an hour rally at the John A. Wilson Building on April 15; photo by Aaron C. Davis/The Washington Post

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Saying that "wages alone are not enough to give every hardworking District resident a fair shot at a better life,” UFCW Local 400 President Mark Federici said that “We look forward to seeing the Council demonstrate this same leadership in passing Just Hours legislation, which will guarantee District workers won’t struggle with too few hours on too short notice, as well as Paid Family Leave, which will bring the U.S. up to speed with other developed nations by providing reasonable accommodations to workers who choose to start a family.” While a final vote on the minimum wage increased is required later this month, that is expected to be a formality. While the Council rejected proposals to phase out the District’s subminimum wage for tipped workers, it did increase it to $5/hr, nearly double the current rate of $2.77.  Both rates will be increased in future years to reflect the cost of living.