Omaha City Council to Vote on Equal Minimum Wage for Teen Workers
Teens say a lower state wage will cut pay for young workers and urge council members to protect earnings for 14- to 17-year-olds.
- Omaha City Council President Danny Begley introduced an ordinance to restore a $15 hourly minimum wage for all workers, with the full council scheduled to vote on the measure July 14.
- The proposal responds to the Nebraska Legislature's recent decision to roll back a minimum wage increase voters approved in 2022, which lowered pay for 14- and 15-year-old workers to $13.50 hourly.
- Teens and community advocates testified that equal work should mean equal pay. Viana Robinson, Voices for Children Youth Leadership Council member, asked, "Why should we not be paid the same?"
- The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce warned that fragmented wage standards could harm businesses, while Councilmembers Aimee Melton and Don Rowe expressed concerns about the city's legal authority to preempt state law.
- Despite legal questions, the City Attorney recently advised the Omaha City Council that it retains local control to mandate a higher wage, with members planning further discussion before the July 14 vote.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Omaha World-Herald
Omaha teens urge City Council to restore $15 minimum wage for young workers
An ordinance to set an Omaha minimum wage of $15 for all ages drew support from residents who criticized a state law setting a lower minimum for younger workers.
Omaha city council to vote on equal minimum wage for teen workers
The Omaha City Council will vote July 14 on a measure to give teen workers the same minimum wage as adult workers. The push for equal teen pay comes after the Nebraska state legislature rolled back a minimum wage increase that voters approved in 2022. Supporters, including teen workers and community advocates, showed up to make their case before the council. Opposition includes the Chamber of Commerce and business community voices who argue equa…
Omaha Chamber opposes ordinance to restore $15 minimum wage for younger workers
The Omaha City Council heard from the public Tuesday on a proposed ordinance that, if passed, would keep the minimum wage in the city at $15 an hour for all workers. The Greater Omaha Chamber is among those in opposition. In a letter to the council, Omaha Chamber President Heath Mello wrote that the metro must continue to grow wages, but through economic growth rather than an ordinance. “A city-by-city minimum wage ordinance would create inconsi…
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