Bill Would Lower Minimum Wage for Tip Workers

Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to lower the minimum wage for tip workers and part-time, temporary workers under age 20.

Restaurant operators told the House Commerce Committeer that the 2006 ballot measure that established a state minimum wage has hurt their business.

The Arizona Republic reports that the proposal would allow employers to drop the $7.65 an hour minimum wage by $3 for any part-time worker who is employed for 90 days or less. It would apply to any worker under age 20.

Arizona Minimum Wage Goes Up 30 cents

Arizonans who earn minimum wage will get a raise starting January 1.

The Industrial Commission of Arizona has raised the state’s hourly minimum wage by 30 cents to $7.65. The decision was based on a 3.8% increase in the federal Consumer Price Index.

A state minimum wage was established in 2006 that provided for an annual cost of living increase. The commission raised the minimum wage for 2011 by ten cents. There was no raise in 2010 because the cost of living fell in 2009.

Arizona Minimum Wage Increases in January

Arizonans who earn minimum wage will get a 30 cent raise beginning January 1.

Last week the Arizona Industrial Commission approved an hourly minimum wage of $7.65 in 2012. The decision is based on a 3.8% increase in the federal Consumer Price Index.

A 2006 Arizona law established a state minimum wage separate from the federal wage. It also provided for an annual cost of living increase.