By John J. Monahan
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Nov 19, 2013
BOSTON — The state Senate is set to act Tuesday on raising the minimum wage to $11 by 2016, but if that bill is not adopted, a referendum for the November 2014 ballot for an increase in the minimum wage could make its way to the ballot. ...
Some businesses, however, told lawmakers Monday they support the increase. Joseph Rotella of Spencer Organ Co. in Waltham said the current wage is outdated and that when the minimum wage does not cover workers' necessities, it hurts local businesses that depend on them as customers.
Dean Cycon, CEO of Deans Beans Organic Coffee Co. in Orange, which pays its workers $11 to start, said treating workers fairly makes his business stronger. Mr. Dean told the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development at a hearing Monday that the increase in the minimum wage is overdue and will help the economy.
Sen. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester, said she is ready to support the measure.
"I'm going to vote for it. When we increased it five years ago, people said the sky would fall and it didn't happen. When people have some money in their pockets, chances are the economy is going to improve," Ms. Chandler said Monday.
She said also she expects the impact on businesses to be limited: "Most businesses are not paying the minimum wage in the first place. Most pay more than the minimum wage.
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