What is the procedure for tenured employees when minimum wage is raised?
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What is the procedure for tenured employees when minimum wage is raised?
I have worked at a company for over two years and I hold a management type position. I recently discovered that new male employees are paid much higher wages than the tenured female employees. Now, minimum wage in my state has been raised to $9.50 and the tenured employees, unless specifically asking, have not received equal wage compensation. Is there any precedent for raising wages when minimum wage is raised?
Asked on August 16, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, there is no requirement that all employees receive raises or additional compensaton when minimum wage goes up; the only requirement is that everyone receive at least minimum wage. If minimum wage employees get a raise when the minimum is increased, that does not mean that anyone else has to get an increase.
That said, if new male employees are being paid more than experienced female employees, that could indicate illegal sexual discrimination: treating men better than women. Based on what you write, it may be worthwhile contacting the federal EEOC or your state's equal/civil rights agency to discuss the situation and your rights.
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