Democrats in the North Carolina legislature are attempting to raise the state’s minimum wage which has not been increased in over 15 years. Representatives Allison Dahl (D-District 11), Aisha Dew (D-District 111), Bryan Cohn (D-District 32), and Marcia Morey (D-District 30) filed House Bill 353, titled the “Fair Minimum Wage Act”, would not just raise the minimum wage once but continue to raise it as time goes on.
If made into law, the bill would raise the state’s minimum wage to $10 an hour by January 1, 2026. After that, the bill would require the minimum wage to be raised by an additional $2 every following year until 2030.
At the start of this year, 21 states raised their minimum wage as the costs of living skyrocketed for many. North Carolina was not one of those states. Currently, North Carolina has a minimum wage of $7.25, matching the federal minimum wage and making the state one of the lowest-paying states. A point Representative Morey pointed out when discussing the bill.
“It’s equity and fairness for workers. I mean, we have one of the lowest minimum wages in the country,” Morey said.
Workers who can earn tips at their jobs are susceptible to making less than the minimum wage as the state only requires these workers to be paid at least $2.13 an hour. A living wage tool created by MIT considers $22.50 the living wage for a single adult living in North Carolina with no children. A living wage is what one full-time worker must earn on an hourly basis to help cover the cost of their family’s minimum basic needs where they live while still being self-sufficient, according to the tools FAQ.
Not only would the Fair Minimum Wage Act raise the minimum wage closer to a living wage, but it would protect workers from employers who would withhold those funds from them. House Bill 353 includes text that would hold the employer liable for any lost or unawarded wages of the employee.
According to the bill “Any employer who violates the provisions of G.S. 95-25.13 or any rule adopted under that section shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of their actual damages, including, but not limited to, lost wages and benefits plus interest and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.”
North Carolina Democrats have tried to raise the minimum wage before with little success due to a lack of support from across party lines. Representative Morey acknowledged the need for bipartisan support for this bill to move forward.
“Oh, I’m sure they’re thrilled with it…” Morey said regarding republican lawmakers. “We will do our best to show this is what their constituents need, as much as ours, it shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”
