MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF BERNALILLO COUNTY ARE GETTING A PAY RAISE. THE COUNTY COMMISSION LAST (TUE) NIGHT DISCUSSED AND APPROVED A PLAN TO INCREASE PAY FROM 8-85 TO 9-05 AN HOUR. COMMISSION CHAIRMAN STEVEN MICHAEL QUEZADA SAYS THAT’S STILL NOT A LIVING WAGE. HE SAYS MANY STATES ARE PUSHING THEIR WAGE UP TO 15 DOLLARS AN HOUR, BUT QUEZADA DOESN’T KNOW IF WE’LL EVER SEE THAT AMOUNT IN NEW MEXICO.
BUT PAUL GESSING WITH THE RIO GRANDE FOUNDATION SAYS THERE’S A DOWNSIDE WHEN EMPLOYERS ARE FORCED TO INCREASE WAGES. AND HE SAYS SOME BUSINESS CHOOSE NOT TO EXPAND OR HIRE … AND EVEN LAY PEOPLE OFF WORK.
TIPPED EMPLOYEES WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE INCREASE. THE HIGHER WAGE WOULD GO INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY.
