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Mayor Lee’s Statement on San Francisco’s Consensus Minimum Wage Increase Ballot Measure

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the Board of Supervisors final unanimous approval to send a consensus measure to raise the City’s minimum wage to the November 2014 ballot:

“San Francisco is an expensive place for working families, and we know a few more dollars an hour can make a big difference in the pockets of our lowest paid workers. That is why I believe the time has come to bring an increase in the minimum wage to voters this November.

Working with Supervisor Jane Kim and the entire Board of Supervisors along with large and small businesses, nonprofits, labor and those who represent working families, we are moving forward with a fair and responsible consensus measure that supports our businesses, protects our economic recovery, and boosts wages for working families.

San Francisco is a leader in addressing income inequality, and we will continue to lead by example. I thank all of our partners for contributing their perspective and expertise as we developed a proposal to increase the rate responsibly and for coming together to support one ballot initiative this November.”

Based on existing law, the minimum wage in San Francisco will rise to approximately $11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2015.

The ballot measure includes the following wage increases:
May 1, 2015: $12.25 per hour
July 1, 2016: $13.00 per hour
July 1, 2017: $14.00 per hour
July 1, 2018: $15.00 per hour

Employers must pay San Francisco’s higher minimum wage for all covered work performed within the City. However, the measure provides different rates for youth trainees and senior subsidized employment which will be capped at a rate of $12.25 plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment.