Workers in Florida making minimum wage are set to receive a raise this month, as the minimum wage increases to $13 per hour by September 30. This marks a $1 raise for employees, with the ultimate goal being to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026.
Workers Discuss Impact of Pay Increase
At Makeb's Bagels and Deli in West Palm Beach, employees like Sergio Tzoy are looking forward to the wage increase. Tzoy, who currently makes minimum wage, expressed that the extra money will help support his family. While he acknowledges that the raise is beneficial, he believes that it is not a significant difference in the grand scheme of things. Tzoy, who is working multiple jobs, dreams of pursuing a career as a chef to further assist his family financially. Moreover, Makeb's Bagels and Deli stated that they will be covering the additional cost of paying their employees a higher wage.
Businesses Prepare for Impact
On the other hand, Peachwave Yogurt in West Palm Beach is considering raising their prices to compensate for the increase in labor costs. Diogo Deabreu, the owner, mentioned that a potential price hike could be on the horizon to offset the higher wages of their employees. Deabreu revealed that approximately 70% of his staff earns minimum wage, making it challenging to absorb the increased expenses without making adjustments. When asked about the possibility of reducing staff numbers, Deabreu acknowledged that it could impact the level of customer service provided. However, he remains committed to maintaining the quality of service while navigating the financial implications of the minimum wage hike.
Looking Ahead
As Florida inches closer to the $15 per hour minimum wage target, both workers and businesses are preparing for the changes. While some businesses plan to adjust pricing to accommodate higher labor costs, others aim to maintain current staffing levels despite the financial strain. The impact of the wage increase extends beyond individual paychecks, shaping the dynamics of businesses and their operations in the coming months.