Feedback sought on possible minimum wage-increase ordinance
The City of Hayward is holding the first in a series of workshops tonight, Nov. 12, to gather input on a proposed ordinance to accelerate locally implementation of the new $15-an-hour State of California minimum wage.
A community workshop is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 777 B Street, in Hayward. Two business-oriented workshops are scheduled to take place 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the Council Chambers and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Crosspoint Academy, 25500 Industrial Blvd., in Hayward.
Under state law, the minimum wage in California will increase gradually starting Jan. 1, 2020, from the current rate of $11 per hour for businesses with 25 or fewer employees and $12 per hour for businesses with larger workforces to eventually reach $15 an hour for all workers by 2023.
At its Oct. 15 meeting, the City Council heard presentations on approaches for moving more quickly to the $15 minimum in Hayward. The Council directed City staff members to gather public feedback and conduct additional research before bringing the matter back for a vote in January.
If enacted, a new ordinance could hasten the increase to the $15-an-hour minimum wage—with or without adjustments for different business sizes, types and sectors. It also could set a local minimum wage or wage minimums above $15 an hour. For more information on the issue and process, visit the Local Minimum Wage page on the City of Hayward of website.
