What is the minimum wage?
The minimum wage is the starting hourly wage an employer can pay an employee for work. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour (part of the Fair Labor Standards Act). Some states and cities have raised their minimum wage higher than that. In most instances, the higher of the prevailing minimum wage requirements is binding for employers.
April 12, 2024
D.C. Tipped Worker Warns New York, Other States Against Tip Credit Elimination
It’s no secret tip credit elimination has already wreaked havoc on the nation’s capital: employment is down in full-service restaurants, tips are disappearing, and restaurants are looking for ways to…
April 5, 2024
In Just One Week, California’s $20 Minimum Wage Is Already a Disaster
State legislators and Governor Gavin Newsom have pushed California’s fast food industry into free fall, and it’s only been one week since the new $20 minimum wage mandate went into…
March 29, 2024
EPI Warns Rhode Island Lawmakers: Tip Credit Elimination is a Lose-Lose-Lose Situation
This week, the Rhode Island House Labor Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 7531, a bill that would eliminate Rhode Island’s tip credit and raise the base wage…
Illinois
March 22, 2024
Chicago Restaurants Are Already Bracing for Upcoming Wage Hikes
On July 1, Chicago will begin eliminating its tip credit, raising the minimum wage for tipped restaurant employees from $9.48 to $15.80 per hour (smaller businesses with less than…