Minimum wage pre-emption might not lower wages for all

If Republican-backed pre-emption efforts become Iowa law, the minimum wage in Linn and Johnson counties will drop back to the state’s $7.25 hourly rate. But some business owners say they don’t plan to cut raises that were forced by local wage increases.

“Once you’re there, you’re there. I don’t see how you go back,” said Travis Stovie, managing director with 18 Burger King restaurants, including five in Linn and two in Johnson. “I don’t think that’s feasible, that’s too hard of a thing to do for any of our employees ... . I just don’t see it.”

House File 295 would prohibit local governments from passing minimum wage increases above the state rate. However, it also would eliminate Johnson County’s $10.10 per hour minimum wage and a $8.25 per hour rate in Linn County.

Wapello County’s $8.20 hourly rate and Polk County’s increase to $8.75 an hour in April also would be abolished.

Read more: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/minimum-wage-pre-emption-might-not-lower-wages-for-all-20170324