By Scott A. Mirsky
Montgomery County businesses need to start preparing for the gradual increase of the minimum wage as it heads towards $15 per hour. After some compromising between lawmakers and the County Executive, the deadline for businesses to comply with the $15 per hour requirement will vary depending upon the number of employees who are employed by the business, as follows:
- July 1, 2021, for employers with 51 or more employees
- July 1, 2023, for employers with 11-50 employees
- July 1, 2024, for employers with fewer than 11 employee
In addition, businesses will have to comply with gradual increases to the minimum wages as it approaches $15 per hour. The new law specifically excludes (1) employees who are exempt under State or Federal law; (2) employees who are subject to an opportunity wage under State of Federal law; (3) employees who are 18 years old or younger if they work no more than 20 hours per week. In addition, if the employee is 19 years old or younger, the new law permits an employer to pay that employee 85% of the County minimum wage for the first six months of employment.
For more information on wage and hour issues, please contact Scott A. Mirsky at (301) 656-7603 or samirsky@paleyrothman.com.