2016 Minimum Wage Explained

2016 Minimum Wage Explained (I Hope)

With all the new changes for employers this year, the number one question I have been asked recently is “What is the minimum wage in Santa Clarita?” 

The City of Santa Clarita follows the State of California guidelines of $10.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2016.  The City has no intention at this time, to follow the County’s lead in increasing this. 
The unincorporated portions of L.A. County or locations west of the 5 freeway, Castaic, Agua Dulce and Acton all follow the new County Board of Supervisors’ approved proposal. Beginning on July 1, 2016, the minimum wage for all employers (including nonprofits and businesses) with 26 or more employees in unincorporated areas of the county will be $10.50 per hour and will increase annually to $12.00, $13.25, $14.25 and $15.00 by July 1, 2020.  The proposed ordinance would set a similar schedule for employers with 25 or fewer employers, but increases would start one year later, on July 1, 2017, reaching $15.00 per hour by July 1, 2021.   Beginning in 2022 the wage will adjust based on the CPU.  

Currently there is the following initiative, pending verification of petition signatures, slated for the November 2016 election: 

California $15 Minimum Wage Initiative (2016)
“Under existing law, California’s minimum wage will increase from $9.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour on January 1, 2016. This measure increases the minimum wage to $11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2017, and by $1.00 each of the next four years, to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2021. Thereafter, adjusts the minimum wage annually based on the rate of inflation for the previous year, using the California Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.”