MINIMUM WAGE UPDATE:

Effective January 1, 2014, the minimum wage rate will be higher in Oregon and Washington. Further, in California the minimum wage rate will increase effective July 1, 2014.

Oregon

On January 1, 2014 Oregon's minimum wage will increase by 15 cents to $9.10/hour (up from $8.95/hour).

Oregon law requires the Bureau of Labor and Industries to adjust Oregon’s minimum wage annually based on the federal Consumer Price Index. In its September 17, 2013 announcement regarding the minimum wage hike, BOLI cited a 1.52% CPI increase (August 2012-August 2013). The 2014 Oregon Minimum Wage Poster is available for download on the BOLI website.

Washington

On January 1, 2014 Washington's minimum wage will increase by 13 cents to $9.32/hour (up from $9.19/hour).

As in Oregon, Washington law also requires the Department of Labor & Industries to adjust Washington's minimum wage annually based on the federal CPI. In announcing the rate hike on September 30, 2013, L&I explained that the CPI had increased 1.455% between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013. L&I is likely to post information about the 2014 minimum wage on its website in the near future.

California

Effective July 1, 2014 California's minimum wage will increase by one dollar to $9.00/hour (up from $8.00/hour).

On September 25, 2013 Governor Jerry Brown signed AB10, which raises the minimum wage in California for the first time since 2008. In addition to the 2014 rate hike, the new law also includes a second minimum wage raise (to $10.00/hour effective January 1, 2016).

Several other states also are considering minimum wage increases. Bullard Law will continue to follow these wage and hour developments. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about the increased minimum wage rates or about any other labor, employment, or benefits issues.