HARRISBURG (JAN. 28, 2020) – Leaders of the CLEAR Coalition urged lawmakers to embrace Governor Tom Wolf’s initiatives to increase workers’ pay through an increase in the minimum wage and new overtime rules.
“Our minimum wage is far below a living wage, and with our neighboring states enacting increases, Pennsylvania’s wage is in the basement. Our workers earn less money than those doing the exact same job in states like Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey or West Virginia,” said David Fillman, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 13.
The Governor’s proposal would increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 on July 1, 2020, with annual 50 cent increases until reaching $15 in July 2026. Currently, more than 1 million workers would benefit from a $12 minimum wage; 86% of those workers are 20 or older, and 44% of those work full-time. Nearly a quarter (22%) are parents.
In addition to the governor’s proposed minimum wage increase, more than 82,000 workers will get pay increases if the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) approves the Wolf Administration’s proposed overtime rule, which requires time-and-a-half pay for most full-time salaried employees who work more than 40 hours a week in executive, administrative and professional jobs – and make less than $45,500.
“If we want to have a competitive workforce and boost local economies, we need to give workers a wage they deserve,” said Aaron Chapin, Vice President of PSEA. “We’re pleased the governor is continuing to make workplace fairness a top priority.”
The CLEAR Coalition has been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage for more than two years.
For more information on the Clear Coalition visit www.clearforPA.org.
Contact: Peter Shelly, 717-724-1681