Republicans Vote to Lower Minimum Wage for Workers Under 18 

Richmond, Virginia—Republican members of the House Commerce and Energy Subcommittee #1 voted today to pass HB1669, a bill that would lower the minimum wage to $9 an hour for any worker who is under the age of 18 years old. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Danny Marshall, unfairly discriminates against youth workers, and it is extremely disappointing that it was passed today. 

“Everyone, regardless of age, should have the opportunity to work hard and thrive in our communities. Labor is labor, regardless of who is doing it, and everyone should be compensated fairly for their work. It’s unfairly discriminatory to lower the minimum wage for the same job just because that job is being done by a 17-year-old instead of an 18-year-old,” LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director of Progress Virginia, said. “Youth workers often have jobs to contribute to the family income or save for their education, and it’s just not right to discriminate against them based on their age. We’ll keep working until everyone, regardless of age, zip code, or race, is able to earn a fair wage for their work and have a voice in the workplace through collective bargaining.”

Background:

  • As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Virginia is $12 an hour. 
  • Legislators must vote again this year to deliver on the promise they made in 2020 to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. 
  • This bill would disproportionately impact Black and brown workers, people who live in rural areas, and people who are immigrants.