Minimum Wage News, July 2007

Illinois has increased its minimum wage from $6.50 per hour to $7.50 per hour effective July 1, 2007. The increase will make Illinois' minimum wage the fourth highest in the country.

Pennsylvania has updated the training minimum wage for employers under 20 years old from $5.15 per hour to $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007. Another increase to $6.55 per hour will take effect from July 24, 2008.

North Dakota has increased the current minimum wage of $5.15 per hour to $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007. The minimum wage will increase to $6.55 a year later, and to $7.25 effective July 24, 2009.

New Hampshire has increased it minimum wage of $5.15 per hour to $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007. The minimum wage will increase to $6.50 per hour effective September 1, 2007, 6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008, and $7.25 per hour effective September 1, 2008.

Westra Construction Pays $87,145.95 In Back Wages

Westra Construction, Inc. has agreed to pay $87,145.95 in back wages to forty-eight former employees.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman announced this settlement.

The company was accused of closing the business without providing notice which is required by the law. According to Wisconsin law, wages earned must be paid and notice must be given when a plant closes.

Watertown plant was found violated the state's wages payable law and business closing notification law when it ceased operating in April 2005.

Meat Company Pays $1.3 Million In Back Wages

Hatfield Quality Meats, a meat supplier based in Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $1.3 million in back wages to over 1,500 current and former employees.

The company was cited by US Labor Department for failing to pay workers for the time they spent putting on and taking off company-mandated protective clothes.

According to U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005, workers should be compensated for time spent putting on protective gear to perform their jobs.

The settlement covers employees between March 2000 and May 2006, and more than 1500 employees will get their back wages based on their employment length.