As Los Angeles debates the merits of various proposals to increase the minimum wage, LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian has his own plan.
Unlike Mayor Garcetti’s plan to raise the minimum wage to $13.25 by 2017 or the more ambitious plan of other council members to raise it to $15.25 by 2019, Mr. Krekorian is striking a balance at $13.50 by 2018 and $15.25 by 2021.
Relative to the other plans, Krekorian’s is quite complex. Among other details, his plan includes: a lower minimum wage for teenage workers, apprentices, and transitional workers; exemptions for certain non-profits; and a one-year implementation delay for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. So far, the plan does not deal with the controversial issues surrounding tipped workers’ pay.
What do you think about Councilmember Krekorian’s minimum wage proposal? How will the Los Angeles City Council find a way forward that mollifies both labor and business groups?
Guests:
Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 2nd District