California voters almost had the opportunity to vote on an $18 minimum wage in November 2022. The State has a unique administrative process by which California citizens can propose laws and constitutional amendments without the support of the state government.

The $18 an hour proposition called, “The Living Wage Act of 2022,” was intended to be put before California voters in November 2022. It proposed to continue the State’s stair-step increase of the minimum wage as follows:

Year Employers with 25 or fewer employees Employers with 26 or more employees
2023 $15.00 per hour $16.00 per hour
2024 $16.00 per hour $17.00 per hour
2025 $17.00 per hour $18.00 per hour
2026 $18.00 per hour $18.00 per hour

However, this proposed timeline will now need to be adjusted as The Living Wage Act failed to qualify for the 2022 ballot due to the late submission of verified signatures to the California Secretary of State.  The Proposition has been cleared for the 2024 ballot.

Advocates of the measure filed a lawsuit pushing to place the Proposition on the 2022 ballot, but the court found the proponents’ arguments “unpersuasive.”

A separate Proposition aimed at amending the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) was also delayed until November 2024.

Jackson Lewis continues to track legislation, regulations, and ballot measures affecting employers. If you have questions about minimum wage compliance or related issues, contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss.

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Clarisse C. Petersen Clarisse C. Petersen

Clarisse C. Petersen is a principal in the Orange County, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She counsels and defends employers in all aspects of employment law, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, defamation, disability-related claims, and wage-and-hour violations.

Clarisse is a fierce…

Clarisse C. Petersen is a principal in the Orange County, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She counsels and defends employers in all aspects of employment law, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, defamation, disability-related claims, and wage-and-hour violations.

Clarisse is a fierce advocate for employers and strives to connect with her clients to understand their story, their people, and their vision—which, in turn, allows her to craft thoughtful and practical solutions tailored to the client’s goals. Whenever possible, her advice to clients weaves in the same core values and collaborative environment that Jackson Lewis thrives on to this day.

Clarisse is an experienced litigator with a proven track record of success both inside and outside the courtroom. She has secured defense verdicts at trial and arbitration, achieved summary judgment or adjudication on her cases, and resolved contentious disputes for less than the client’s authority or potential exposure.

Photo of Arcelia N. Magaña Arcelia N. Magaña

Arcelia N. Magaña is an associate in the San Diego, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. An experienced litigator, and trial attorney, she provides insight into best practices to develop a stable, high-functioning workforce to avoid the disruption and expense of litigation.

Arcelia…

Arcelia N. Magaña is an associate in the San Diego, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. An experienced litigator, and trial attorney, she provides insight into best practices to develop a stable, high-functioning workforce to avoid the disruption and expense of litigation.

Arcelia has defended more than 20 wage and hour class and representative actions over the last seven years, including actions brought under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Arcelia also handles discrimination and harassment cases, and responses to inquiries by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She recently helped a client secure a full defense arbitration award in a disability discrimination case.