West Hollywood's highest minimum wage in the U.S., at $19.08 an hour, is causing concern among local businesses. The city's mandate also includes requirements for paid time off, adding to the financial strain. Business owners are seeking relief from further increases and expressing worry about their future in the city due to elevated operating costs.
West Hollywood Minimum Wage, Highest in U.S., Irks Merchants Josiah Citrin, owner and chef of a Santa Monica restaurant, is worried about his new steakhouse's survival due to West Hollywood's highest minimum wage of $19.08 an hour. Many business owners in West Hollywood are pleading for a moratorium on further increases to the minimum wage. The city's small businesses face competition from neighboring cities with lower costs. The West Hollywood ordinance also requires full-time employees to receive at least 96 hours a year of paid time off and 80 hours without pay. While research shows that moderate increases to the minimum wage have no significant impact on employment levels, some businesses have experienced challenges. The local Chamber of Commerce and business owners have called for a moratorium on further minimum wage increases and a rollback of the mandated paid time-off policy. Mayor Sepi Shyne supports the minimum wage ordinance but is seriously listening to resistance from the business community. The City Council approved about $2.8 million in waivers, credits, and marketing dollars to help the business community. UNITE HERE Local 11, a major supporter of the ordinance, believes it has raised living standards and given workers the security of paid time off. Some businesses, like Collar & Comb, are not concerned about the minimum wage as they already pay above the mandated rate. However, others, like B2V Salon, have had to raise prices and cut back on employees due to the higher costs in West Hollywood. Josiah Citrin, uncertain about his restaurant's future, is considering focusing on his restaurants elsewhere in the area. Adblock test (Why?)
West Hollywood Minimum Wage, Highest in U.S., Irks Merchants Josiah Citrin, owner and chef of a Santa Monica restaurant, is worried about his new steakhouse's survival due to West Hollywood's highest minimum wage of $19.08 an hour. Many business owners in West Hollywood are pleading for a moratorium on further increases to the minimum wage. The city's small businesses face competition from neighboring cities with lower costs. The West Hollywood ordinance also requires full-time employees to receive at least 96 hours a year of paid time off and 80 hours without pay. While research shows that moderate increases to the minimum wage have no significant impact on employment levels, some businesses have experienced challenges. The local Chamber of Commerce and business owners have called for a moratorium on further minimum wage increases and a rollback of the mandated paid time-off policy. Mayor Sepi Shyne supports the minimum wage ordinance but is seriously listening to resistance from the business community. The City Council approved about $2.8 million in waivers, credits, and marketing dollars to help the business community. UNITE HERE Local 11, a major supporter of the ordinance, believes it has raised living standards and given workers the security of paid time off. Some businesses, like Collar & Comb, are not concerned about the minimum wage as they already pay above the mandated rate. However, others, like B2V Salon, have had to raise prices and cut back on employees due to the higher costs in West Hollywood. Josiah Citrin, uncertain about his restaurant's future, is considering focusing on his restaurants elsewhere in the area. Adblock test (Why?)