State’s Minimum Wage Rises Today

The minimum hourly wage for hundreds of thousands of California workers rises today by 25 cents to $5. The increase stems from the overwhelming approval of union-backed Proposition 210 by voters in November. It marks the second rise in the minimum wage received by workers in the state in five months. In addition, two more increases--another federal increase and then a second state boost--will occur over the next 12 months, lifting the minimum wage to $5.75 in March 1998. For more information, employers and employees can call the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement hot line at (888) 275-9243.