New York City Employment Lawyer

The governor of Maine, John Baldacci, signed into law a bill to increase the statewide minimum wage from $7.00 to $7.25 an hour on October 1, 2008.  The bill also accounts for another raise the following year, when the wage rate will reach $7.50 an hour.  With these increases, the Maine minimum wage will be $0.25 above the national minimum wage.  Baldacci’s decision will keep Maine in step with the rest of the New England area, which generally pays higher than the federal rate.

Minimum wage laws ensure the lowest wage earners in society can afford life’s basic necessities.  In addition, minimum wage laws serve to stimulate the economy, as low earners tend to spend their entire paycheck.  Minimum wage also protects the government from having to spend a lot on social welfare programs as more money is in the pocket of the consumer.

If your minimum wage rights have been violated, contact the New York City employment lawyer at Cary Kane LLP today at 212-868-6300.