Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Steps in to Protect Workers, Directs Employers to Increase Base Wage for Tipped Employees
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today directed the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to comply with the minimum wage law passed by voters in November and increase the base wage for tipped employees to $3.25.
"Missourians voted to increase the minimum wage, and I have directed the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to immediately clarify that the base wage is not exempt from this mandate," Blunt said. "The department has an obligation to instruct businesses that hire tipped employees to increase salaries in accordance with the law."
The governor issued his directive to the department after reviewing their original interpretation of the law. He disagreed with the department's initial assessment and, after conferring with his General Counsel, directed them to immediately update the information provided to businesses.
The minimum wage law requires employers to pay half of $6.50 per hour - $3.25 - as a base wage for all tipped employees.