The city of Tucson has officially approved a pay raise for its lowest-paid city workers, taking the last step Tuesday to increase its minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The new minimum wage affects more than 2,000 city employees, over half of its workforce, and will go into effect immediately.
Democrats Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 by 2025. The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 was introduced on Tuesday. If passed, it would gradually increase the federal minimum wage over five years to reach $15. The Raise the Wage Act is a critical step toward lifting hardworking people out of poverty, .., House Labor Chair Robert Scott, via statement. ... addressing income inequality, and building back a better economy where everyone can succeed, House Labor Chair Robert Scott, via statement. The bill also proposes "phasing out subminimum wages for tipped workers, youth workers and workers with disabilities ...". ... and making sure the value of minimum wage doesn't decrease over time by tying it to inflation. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 32 million Americans would see their wages increased by the Act. In the richest country in the history of the world, if you work 40 hours a week, you should not be living in poverty. , Incoming Senate Budget Chair Bernie Sanders, via statement. Minimum wage must be a living wage, enabling people to live with dignity, Incoming Senate Budget Chair Bernie Sanders, via statement. The federal minimum wage has not been increased in over 10 years
This includes approximately 170 city workers who currently make less than $15 an hour, as well as compression adjustments for many workers making over that amount.
“It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s the smart thing to do from a managerial perspective as we address ongoing retention concerns throughout the organization,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “It’s the right thing to do for our workers and their families to make sure that they have living wages, and it is the right thing to do for our city and economy.”
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Arizona’s statewide minimum wage became $12.15 on Jan. 1 and ranks among the highest in the country.
Proposition 206, a statewide ballot measure passed by voters in 2016, boosted Arizona’s minimum wage from $8.05 an hour to $10 in 2017, followed by increases to $10.50 in 2018, $11 in 2019 and $12 in 2020.
The city’s decision to increase pay for its workers comes as Congress continues to debate a federal $15 minimum wage by 2025.
Photos: Minimum wage protest
Minimum wage protesters march for higher pay
McDonald's employee Luis Frias, 22, uses a bullhorn while chanting in front of the fast-food restaurant on 1711 E Speedway during a protest involving the fast food industry and other businesses that offer low wages. The protest was part of a nationwide push for higher wages. Proclaiming social injustice, protesters wanted an increase in the minimum wage asking for $15 an hour and criticizing such businesses as McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King and other low wage industries.
Contact reporter Jasmine Demers at jdemers@tucson.com.
On Twitter: @JasmineADemers
Jasmine Demers
Reporter
