LAS CRUCES, N.M. – At yesterday’s work session, the Las Cruces City Council decided to enact the new $10.10 law they voted for on September 8th. In its first phase, the new law will improve regular wages to $8.40/hour and gives tipped wage earners a raise to $3.36/hour effective January 1, 2015.
On November 17th, the City Council will vote to repeal the June 2nd minimum wage ordinance. However, Mayor Ken Miyagishima asked Councilors Miguel Silva, Ceil Levatino, and Nathan Small to draft an ordinance that includes the employee exemptions as stated in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and apply them to the $10.10 local ordinance, and that the new ordinance may also include “possible changes to the timeline”.
“After 20 years without a raise, tipped earners were the clear winners,” stated Angelica Rubio, Campaign Manager. She added, “We were pleased that there was no discussion about cutting raises for tipped wages in the 3 and half hour work session. This is definitely a step forward for our community, and we congratulate the City Council for doing the right thing.”
“As a tipped worker, I’m extremely happy about keeping my raise and can’t wait to share the news with my fellow employees,” exclaimed Cassie Calway. “This raise will make a difference for my family, especially to my oldest daughter who witnessed the City Council’s first vote on June 2nd that excluded tipped workers completely. I hope she learns the power of speaking out for what you truly believe in because it can make a difference, not only in our lives but in the lives of others as well.”
“We are pleased with the outcome to repeal the June ordinance and move forward to implement our $10.10 law effective January 1st,” explained Sarah Nolan, CAFé’s Executive Director. “However this is only the first step and we will remain vigilant to preserve the law. The Mayor made it clear that the next two increments improving wages for our hardworking individuals and families are still in jeopardy. Moreover, his recommendation to draft a new ordinance concerns us, and we will continue to meet with city Administrators for a clear understanding of their intentions moving forward. We’re not at the finish line yet, but we remain hopeful and will celebrate the first raise for our hardworking individuals and families who deserve it.”
In response to the Mayor’s recommendation that the employee exemptions from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) apply to the local ordinance exactly as written in federal law, CAFé’s purpose is to understand what this means for our community as we move forward to preserve and protect the law in 2015 and beyond.