Beginning January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in California will increase from $15.50 to $16 an hour for all employees.
Certain industries will experience a larger increase in the near future. For example, fast food workers’ minimum wage increases to $20 starting in April, while healthcare workers can expect an even greater rise to $23 by June.
Employees in some cities and counties will receive minimum wages that are higher than the state’s rate, such as in Cupertino where the minimum wage is $17.75, according to California’s Department of Industrial Relations.
The increase in pay is due to a law requiring minimum wage to adjust for inflation, which has been a constant issue across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the rate of inflation in 2022 reached its highest rate since 1982 at 8.5%. Compared to the yearly target rate of 2%, almost 9% is a huge difference.
The estimated rate of inflation for 2024 is expected to drop to 3.2%, and hopefully decrease even further as the year goes on.
This new law affects the entire state, including students here at Monte Vista. Many students work part-time jobs after school and on weekends.
Junior Ava Chu’s job as a lifeguard pays more than the minimum wage, but she still thinks the pay increase is important for those who need to make a living and are dealing with inflation.
“I think [the minimum wage] should have been raised,” Chu said. “If the prices of goods and necessities are getting raised but your pay isn’t, ultimately it’s going to be a lot harder on the people that rely on [their job].”
Ava Stolarzyk, a junior who works at Yogurt Shack, is also in favor of the minimum wage increase.
“Workers [at my job] are paid minimum wage,” Stolarzyk said. “I believe [the pay] is fair.”
Stolarzyk adds that although she has no strong feelings concerning the new law, she knows that the increase will benefit a lot of people.
Although Monte Vista students are not greatly affected by the increase in pay, staying up to date with the latest information regarding the workforce is important, especially as students get closer and closer to their careers in the real world.
