Lathrop GPM Partner Michael Manoukian was recently featured in an article for SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) discussing the latest minimum wage increases in several California cities and the implications for employers.
The article highlights that as the cost of living continues to rise in the state, many municipalities are setting minimum wages above the statewide rate. Manoukian notes that this trend is likely to continue, especially in progressive areas with political pressure from labor advocates.
He points out that the state itself is also heading towards a higher minimum wage, but local rates will likely remain higher in cities with soaring living costs.
“It is absolutely heading in that direction,” Manoukian said, especially as many industries have already reached that threshold. However, “as long as the housing and living costs in certain larger cities continues to rise, I think certain cities will have local minimum wages that are higher than that set at the state level.”
Manoukian also emphasizes the importance of employers staying up-to-date on local wage laws to avoid costly litigation. He explains that class-action and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuits are becoming increasingly common when numerous employees are affected by unlawful pay practices.
Read the full article here [SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED]: Multiple California Cities to Increase Minimum Wage on July 1