Introduction to Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania
The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is an important consideration for every worker. In an attempt to protect workers from being exploited and taken advantage of, Pennsylvania has established a minimum wage rate across the state. As of July 1, 2021, that rate is $7.25 per hour. This article will provide an in-depth look at the current minimum wage in Pennsylvania, how it is enforced, and the potential of increasing it in the future.

Current Requirements
In Pennsylvania, the minimum wage rate applies to virtually all employers of any size, regardless of industry or region. There are a few exceptions to this, such as workers under the age of eighteen and those in the agricultural industry, which are held to a different rate.

When it comes to the enforcement of the minimum wage, Pennsylvania does not have an official department or entity dedicated to ensuring employers follow the minimum wage law. Instead, it leaves it up to the workers to report any infractions of the law if they feel they are being exploited or underpaid. If a worker does come forward, then the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry can investigate and potentially enforce the minimum wage law.

Potential Increase to the Minimum Wage
As of late, there has been a push from workers and labor unions to have the minimum wage in Pennsylvania increased. A recent proposal has been to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour within the next two years. While this may seem drastic, the increase would certainly help many workers who are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet.

Opponents of the proposal cite the potential damage this could do to the economy, employers, and job market in Pennsylvania. Many employers rely on low-wage jobs to staff their businesses and an increase in the minimum wage could force them to either decrease their workforce or raise prices on goods and services, both of which could be detrimental.

Conclusion
The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is an important issue that affects millions of workers throughout the state. As of now, the minimum wage is set at $7.25 yet there are those pushing to have it increased to $15 in the near future. Ultimately, it’s up to the state legislature to decide whether or not the proposal will become law, but for now, workers must be sure to research their employers and make sure they are being paid the minimum wage or above.