Minimum wage increases to $6.90 per hour Jan. 1, 2002
TUMWATER - Workers earning minimum wage in Washington state will be paid $6.90 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2002, 18 cents an hour more than the current rate.
The state's minimum wage is recalculated each
year in September as a result of an initiative approved by voters in 1998. It
tied the minimum wage to changes in
the federal Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical
workers (CPI-W).
For the 12 months ending August 2001, the
nationwide CPI-W increased 2.658
percent over August 2000. Therefore, Washington's current minimum wage of
$6.72 will increase
2.658 percent, to $6.90.
The new wage applies to workers 18 and older across the state, in both agricultural and non-agricultural jobs.
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds also will receive the raise under a rule that says they earn the same minimum wage as adults (Washington Administrative Code 296-125-043).
For more information on minimum wage, go to the Labor & Industries web site at www.LNI.wa.gov/scs/workstandards/minwage.htm.
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