As spring starts to turn into summer, increases to city and state minimum wages are steadily approaching. Employers should take the time now to ensure that they are ready for minimum wage increases scheduled for July 1, 2019.

The following cities and states will see an increase in minimum wage as of July 1:

Hospitality employers in Oakland, CA, should especially be aware of the new Oakland Minimum Wage Charter Amendment passed in November 2018 that imposes new minimum wages for hotel workers within the city. As of July 1, 2019, employers covered under this ordinance must pay the following minimum hourly wage to all employees:

• $15.00/hour for employees who also receive health benefits through their employer
• $20.00/hour for employees who do not receive health benefits through their employer

The measure applies to hotels containing 50 or more guest rooms as well as to: (1) any contracted, leased, or sublet premises “connected to or operated in conjunction with” a hotel; and (2) anyone “providing services at” a hotel. This definition includes businesses not normally considered a hotel, such as a restaurant leasing space within a hotel.

Employers in cities and states with no minimum wage increase as of now should be on alert for any potential raises to come and also be aware of already scheduled increases for certain cities (including New York City, Seattle, and Oakland) to take place at the end of the year. For more information, contact your Stokes Wagner attorneys.

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