Lawmakers in Hawaii have passed legislation that would hike the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2028, which would make it the highest in the nation.
Advocates say the raise is badly needed in a state that is known for expensive housing and a high cost of living. But some businesses are warning they will have to cut staff or even shut down because they won't be able to afford the higher pay.
We've gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other outlets.
Leading the Rest
The $18 minimum would be the highest minimum wage among the 50 states when Gov. David Ige, who has said he supports it, signs the bill into law.
Hawaii's minimum wage is currently $10.10 an hour. The bill would raise the rate in increments over the next several years, starting with $12 on Oct. 1.
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii said many of its members have indicated that they will conduct layoffs because of the rate hike and some have said they will close shop. Critics of the increase said it would be better for Hawaii to reduce its cost of living by, for example, building more affordable housing, cutting taxes and providing child care assistance.
Pushing the Trend
More than 192,000 workers will benefit from Hawaii's wage hike, according to the National Employment Law Project. Hawaii is making history with its $18 minimum wage, but California is likely to follow the trend this November, when a similar policy goes before voters. And in New York City, workers and advocates have launched a campaign to raise the wage floor to as high as $20 by 2025.
(National Employment Law Project)
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage Debated
The recent movement to raise the federal minimum wage has reset the stage for an enduring argument: Do minimum-wage increases lead to more prosperity or fewer jobs for low-wage earners?
Will a $15 Federal Minimum Wage Hurt Small Businesses?
Small businesses have been especially hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's why some believe this is an inopportune time to pursue raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. But advocates say lower-income workers have also been struggling and the federal minimum wage is long overdue for an increase.
Navigating the Minimum Wage Decision
Companies that don't raise wages for their lowest-paid workers risk becoming severely short-handed.
2022 State Minimum Wage Increases
This SHRM resource page, which is available only to members, provides updates on scheduled state- and local-level wage increases that occurred on Jan. 1, 2022.
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