By David Veenstra
KTAR News (Phoenix), Dec 26, 2023
Arizona and 21 other states will see a minimum wage increase on Monday. ...
Many companies across the country are in favor of an increased minimum wage, citing the benefits of consumer spending and employee well-being.
“Minimum wage increases are a great way to start the new year,” Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, said in a press release. “They help workers put food on the table and keep a roof overhead and they boost the consumer spending that businesses depend on.”
Fairer wages help businesses hire and retain employees, she said. When workers are paid well, they deliver better customer service, she added. This can encourage repeat customers instead of lost customers, Sklar said.
“While the federal minimum wage falls further and further behind the cost of living at just $7.25 an hour, state increases are vital for workers, businesses and communities,” Sklar said.
The minimum wage in Arizona is increasing to $14.35, which is a 50-cent increase from the current minimum wage of $13.85. ...
Some Arizona cities still apply their own minimum wage, such as Flagstaff. The minimum wage in Flagstaff will increase to $17.40 per hour from $16.80 per hour come Monday.
“I welcome the minimum wage increases this year in Colorado and Arizona,” Pete Turner, owner of Illegal Pete’s Restaurants in Colorado and Arizona, said. “At our restaurants, we have seen that better compensation helps with employee hiring and retention, keeps turnover costs low and keeps customers coming back. That is a huge benefit to our bottom line.” ...