June 29 -- Massachusetts will progressively raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation Thursday to hike the wage from its current level of $11 per hour.
Under the new law, Massachusetts' wage will increase to $15 by 2023 -- a pace similar to California's, which will top out at the same rate in 2022.
The first hike will start in January.
The law also says workers will receive time-and-a-half pay on Sundays and holidays, and gratuity workers' hourly wages will rise to $6.75.
The measure also creates a paid family and medical leave program to be funded with payroll taxes -- allowing employees to take 12 weeks a year to care for a family member or care for a new child, 20 weeks to deal with a personal medical issue and 26 weeks to care for an injured service member.
Baker thanked the parties for finding a compromise.
A national movement to raise minimum wages in a number of states has been going for years. So far, Massachusetts and California are the only ones to go to $15. The federal minimum wage is at $7.25, but hasn't changed since 2009.
Massachusetts, California, Washington, Arizona, Vermont and New York currently have the highest minimum wage rates in the United States.
By Susan McFarland
https://www.geezgo.com/sps/28699
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