As reported by the California Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco’s Office of Labor Standards Enforcement is seeking expanded powers. The OLSE enforces San Francisco’s minimum wage ordinance.
The minimum wage for employees in San Francisco is $9.92. That’s 24% higher than the state minimum hourly wage ($8) and 37% higher than the federal minimum ($7.25). As best I can tell, that’s the highest minimum wage of anywhere in the U.S.
The OLSE reports that it assessed over $1 million in back wages, interest, and penalties last year. But how many jobs have been lost because employers chose to locate in a more employer-friendly environment?
Legislators need to understand that modern technologies give employers greater freedom than ever to decide where to base their workers. Laws that make doing business more expensive or difficult drive employers away.