On Wednesday, July 1st approximately 146,303 workers will receive a raise when Oregon’s minimum wage increases. While Oregon’s Labor Movement applauds this increase, it is imperative that lawmakers aggressively pursue policies that will bridge that gap for the workers left behind in our economy. Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor delineated the importance of such policies, considering the devastating reality working Oregonians face amid the COVID-19 pandemic:
“We remain proud of the work Oregon’s Unions and our partners did in 2016 to raise the minimum wage, but four years later, the gaps and cracks in our economy are inescapable for too many low-wage workers. Housing is unaffordable. Workers are taking on multiple jobs to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic has widened gaps and cracks in our economy and it’s clear that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and women workers have been disproportionately impacted during this incredibly difficult time. We must do more to give working people and families the ability to thrive and prosper, and we must ensure that Oregon’s recovery from COVID addresses communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.”
While the Federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, Oregon’s minimum wage will increase for each of Oregon’s three regions:
Non-Urban Counties will increase from $1100 per hour to $11.50
Standard will increase from $11.25 per hour to $12.00
Portland Metro will increase from $12.50 per hour to $13.25
Workers earning the minimum wage should check their pay stubs following the July 1st increase and contact Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries Wage and Hour Division if they have any questions about the increase or to report an employer who is not increasing wages in accordance with the law.
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