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New Jersey Raises Minimum Wage

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Cherry Hill employment lawyers fight for your rights as NJ raises minimum wage.Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in February 2019 to raise the minimum wage in New Jersey to $15 per hour within five years. On July 1, the New Jersey minimum wage rose from $8.85 per hour to $10 per hour for most workers. During former Governor Chris Christie’s term, efforts to bring about a $15 per hour increase failed. Once Murphy became governor, the legislature made successful strides to put the minimum wage bill back on the table. Both the Governor and proponents of the law believe that the wage hike will enable more New Jersey workers to support their families.

Minimum Wage Timetable

A five-year plan to raise the minimum wage began in July with the increase to $10 per hour for most New Jersey workers. The next increase will come on January 1, 2020, at which time the minimum wage will be set at $11 per hour. From there, the rate will increase by $1 per hour every January until 2024, at which time it will be set at $15 per hour. Many hourly workers will see the increase in their paychecks that reflect the designated rates. Some businesses and workers may be exempt from the amounts and timetables detailed here.

Exempt Workers and Businesses

Tipped workers, such as restaurant servers, will receive an additional $0.50 per hour in their paychecks to bring them to a total of $2.63 per hour. Seasonal workers will not receive the minimum wage hike on July 1, and employees of small businesses employing fewer than five workers will not receive the raise either. An increase in the minimum wage for workers of seasonal and agricultural businesses, such as farms, is scheduled to take effect in January 2020. Employees will not receive a rate of $15 per hour until at least 2026, and they will catch up each year until 2029 toward the standard minimum wage. Farm workers’ hourly wages will rise to $12.50 in 2024. For this industry, the legislature will decide if it is necessary to continue toward $15 per hour by 2027.

Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Fight for Fair Wages for Workers

Although the five-year plan for raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour has been met with controversy, it also garners support from many who want to level the playing field. If you believe that your employer has failed to provide you with fair compensation, contact a Cherry Hill employment lawyer at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the wages you deserve. To arrange a free consultation, call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill.

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