$15 Minimum Wage Takes Effect for Small Businesses in L.A.

A minimum wage of $15 an hour for all businesses went into effect Thursday in the city of Los Angeles.When the law was approved by the City Council in May 2015, the minimum wage was $9, with that number rising in a series of upward steps. Last year the $15 rule took effect for businesses with 26 or more employees, but now smaller businesses must also pay $15 an hour.Going forward, the minimum wage in 2022 and beyond will continue increasing based on the cost of living.The wage is slightly higher than what is mandated by the state of California. The state’s current minimum wage is $14 per hour for all employers with 26 or more employees and $13 per hour for businesses with fewer employees.