The minimum wage in San Francisco from July 1 increased to $ 14 per hour. This is not the last stage in the growth of the minimum wage. The ultimate goal – $ 15 per hour by 2018.
The program of raising the minimum patch is not only supporters, but also opponents. However, at a press conference dedicated to this issue, which was held last Tuesday the members of the Workers Rights Collaborative Community (trade Union organization) emphasized the importance of striving for continuous increase in cost of living of city residents.
«We know that in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the country, this wage is not enough, — said Lucia Lin from the Chinese progressive Association. And we know that many people in our society can no longer afford to live in the city where they work.»
Indeed, studies show that many workers in San Francisco are forced to take shelter outside the city, working three jobs and spending a lot of time on the road. People refuse to spend time with family, just to have another opportunity to provide the family a decent life.
But business not very happy with the changes. A study conducted at Harvard business school, published in April, showed that the increase in the minimum wage in the Bay area disproportionately affect businesses with Yelp ratings of 3.5 stars or below. Every $ 1 that increased minimum wage leads to the fact that these companies experience a 14% increase in the probability of closure.
The decision to increase the minimum patch in San Francisco was made in 2014 (so-called Proposition J). Then hourly fee was proposed to increase from $ a 10.74 to $ 15 within four years. The decision was a compromise between the interests of workers and the interests of business representatives, supported by 77% of residents.
