This bill proposes an amendment to the minimum wage laws in West Virginia, specifically to section 21-5C-2 of the Code of West Virginia. The key change introduced by this bill is the addition of a new subsection (d), which mandates that the minimum wage be adjusted upward annually on September 1, based on any increases in the consumer price index as calculated by the United States Department of Labor for the preceding year. This adjustment aims to ensure that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation and the cost of living.
The bill retains existing provisions regarding minimum wage rates and training wages, which set specific hourly wage requirements for employers. It emphasizes that the minimum wage cannot fall below the federal minimum wage and that the subminimum training wage must also comply with federal standards. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the economic well-being of employees in West Virginia by linking wage increases to inflation, thereby providing a more responsive and equitable wage structure.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 21-5C-2