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With the new year just weeks away, wage-earners can soon expect to see a slight boost to their paychecks, according to a recent announcement from the City of Redwood City.
Starting January 1, 2022, all employees who work two or more hours per week at businesses operating in Redwood City will be entitled to a minimum wage of $16.20 per hour. Local businesses were notified of the adjustment in late October.
The establishment of Redwood City's local minimum wage was first discussed during a 2017 city council meeting as means of supporting lower income residents with the increasingly high cost of living. The official ordinance was approved in April 2018, with the first local minimum wage of $13.50 going into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.
Per the ordinance, the local minimum wage adjusts with the Consumer Price Index—or roughly $15 plus the previous year's CPI—and is published annually by November 1.
In addition to increasing pay rates, Redwood City employers are required to post a visible, public notice (in English, Spanish and Chinese) informing their workers of the adjusted minimum wage and their rights per city laws. Under the ordinance, all employees have a right to file complaints about non-compliant businesses and inform and assist other employees without fear of retaliation.
Investigating possible wage violations is the responsibility of the city, which can look into workplaces, employees and public records. According to the announcement, failure to comply may result in fines and suspension of business licenses, and the city will work with the San Jose Office of Equality Assurance to enforce the new minimum wage.
