Oregon Minimum Wage To Increase In January


American money: a $10, a $5, and another $10 bill fanned out

Ten cents may not seem like much, but every bit helps in a lagging economy.

Beginning Jan.1, 2011, Oregon’s minimum wage will increase to $8.50 per hour to adjust for inflation, the Bureau of Labor and Industries announced. The 10-cent increase mirrors a 1.15 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index since August 2009.

“We all know working Oregonians are struggling,” said State Senator Diane Rosenbaum of Portland, who was instrumental in the 2002 ballot measure requiring the state’s annual inflation-based minimum wage hikes. “Thousands of Oregon families are fighting to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads by working full-time at minimum wage jobs, and every cent counts in this economy.”

Oregon employers will be required to display posters reflecting the new minimum wage; downloadable posters for 2011 will be available for free on BOLI’s website in December.

Oregon and Washington have the highest minimum wage rates in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.

If you have a question about Oregon labor law or would like to speak with an Oregon personal injury attorney about a workers’ compensation issue, contact Thomas, Coon, Newton & Frost.