The City of San Diego announced that starting January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for all employers will rise from $15 to $16.30 an hour. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, all businesses operating within the city must adhere to the minimum wage requirements. The Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance approved back in 2016 is said to be the reason for the city’s annual increase.
The mayor of San Diego spoke about the increase stating, “With the cost of living rising, this increase could not come at a more needed time for workers and working families,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This increase means a better ability to make ends meet, put food on the table and spend in our local businesses.” The minimum wage increase comes after a year of increased cost of living throughout San Diego.
According to the city, San Diego’s minimum wage has increased $1 every year since 2019 based on increasing costs of living.
However, University of San Diego Economics Professor Alan Gin predicts the increase may not help much. Alan and other economists state that because most businesses already do pay their employees above minimum wage, the impact of the increase will not be significant.
On the other hand, many employees currently on minimum wage will see an increase of $1.30 per hour. In addition to adhering to the new minimum wage, every employer must also post notices of the new minimum wage at their workplaces.
While many San Diego employers are supportive of the new wage increase, some employers say the wage increase will be passed onto their customers.
City officials state the increase in minimum wage to $16.30 will apply to all employees who perform at least two hours of work during at least one calendar week within the city of San Diego boundaries.
Are You Being Paid Less Than Minimum Wage?
If you are being paid less than minimum wage, you have a legal claim against your employer. All employers are required to follow city, state, and federal regulations that set a minimum wage and other fair labor regulations.
Please contact Hariri Law Group for a free consultation if you believe you are being unfairly treated by your employer in any way. Whether you are being harassed or your employer is refusing to pay you the legal minimum wage, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Contacting an attorney will help ensure guilty employers are held liable and employees are being treated fairly.
