Bills would raise North Carolina's minimum wage to $15 an hour

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It's no secret that Asheville can be a tough place to make a living. That's why several state lawmakers, advocacy groups, and individuals joined in a push to spread the word about new legislation to raise the minimum wage statewide.

The bills would do something that hasn't happened in 12 years, increase the minimum wage to more than $7.25 an hour. In fact, the goal is for every employee in North Carolina to make $15 an hour by 2025.

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"We know that workers need $15 an hour now. It costs way more to live in Asheville," said Vicki Meath with Just Economics.

We're told a third of all workers make below what's considered the poverty line across the state.

"No matter what side of the aisle you're on, we all know we need a raise of the minimum wage, and 12 years is too long," said Meath.

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Twenty-nine other states have minimum wages higher than $7.25 an hour. That's why Representative Susan Fisher says the bills in the state house and senate are necessary.

"I'm sure that the many business owners that I call colleagues on both sides of the aisle would agree with not only the wisdom of the policy but the morality of taking care of the 47 percent of North Carolina that make below 15 an hour," said Rep. Fisher.

On Thursday, the state representative joined others in a push to spread the word about the proposals.

The bills would mean a bump from $7.25 an hour to $10.35 an hour by 2022, then $15 an hour by 2023.

Rep. Fisher says those making tips would earn $15 an hour by 2025. But in the local restaurant industry, there's a twist.

"I think, generally, they want to do the best for their employees again the whole world has changed, and this is part of that," said Jane Anderson with Asheville Independent Restaurants Association.

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Anderson tells us that while many restaurant owners would support the wage hike, most are already offering more than 15 dollars an hour because of the post-pandemic labor shortage.

She says some places are now paying dishwashers $16 an hour. Others are even offering $1,000 sign-on bonuses.

"What we are seeing in Asheville along with other cities across the country is hourly wages are rising for positions. We see changes in how restaurants are paying," said Anderson.

Anderson believes that while a pay bump would be welcome for workers and many local employers, it will come at a cost.

"The thing people need to realize is that will lead to higher prices. You can't be paying everybody more in the restaurant and still keep prices the same because, obviously, your expenses go up," said Anderson.

These bills are similar to what was introduced in 2019. The main difference is the timeline of the increase.

The previous proposals raised the minimum wage over five years instead of two years. The previous bill died before even getting a hearing.

News 13 asked Meath if the changes are enough to get the bills to pass.

"That's up to the legislature. Our job is to push from the outside. As voters of NC, as citizens of the state," said Meath.

Here is the entire release from Raising Wages NC:

"Essential workers have been keeping people fed and keeping our state on track during COVID, but we're not making enough to survive," said Nashon Blount, a member of NC Raise Up/Fight for $15 and a Union, who earns $8.50 per hour at a Durham McDonald's. "Why is North Carolina allowing so many working families to live in poverty, when these companies can afford to pay us $15 per hour? Workers have been demanding it for years and other states have shown it's possible. Now it's our turn."

Currently, 29 states and D.C. have minimum wages above $7.25 per hour and numerous states have $15 minimum wage legislation in motion— the result of persistent grassroots organizing by workers and advocates across the country. Numerous studies have shown far reaching societal benefits of raising the minimum wage including fewer people in poverty, improved physical and mental health, significant decrease in suicide rates, decrease in child neglect, progress toward closing the racial wage gap and the gender wage gap. Raising wages will also boost consumer demand and accelerate job growth.

"North Carolinians shouldn't have to wait on an act of Congress to get a long overdue raise," said MaryBe McMillan, President of the NC AFL-CIO. "Our state lawmakers need to act, as numerous states and cities have already done, and pass an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. A recent poll shows 75% of North Carolinians support raising the minimum wage. Economic progress is happening in places with higher wages, and North Carolina needs to keep up."

Senate Bill 673, sponsored by Senators. Nickel, Murdock and Foushee, was introduced on April 8. House Bill 612, sponsored by Representatives Fisher, Cunningham, Gailliard and Harrison was introduced on April 20.

"This legislation will deliver a crucial raise for North Carolina's working families," said Rep. Susan Fisher. "It is time to lift our state's minimum wage and ensure that the workers who keep our economy running are paid enough to survive."