Alameda Adopts New Minimum Wage

Bryan Little, Farm Employers Labor Service

March 4, 2019

In October 2018, the Alameda City Council passed its own minimum wage law, increasing the minimum wage for employers in that city to $15 per hour by July 1, 2020.

As of July 1, 2019, all Alameda employers, regardless of size of business, will be required to pay their employees at least $13.50 per hour. The city's minimum wage will increase again on July 1, 2020 to $15.00 per hour. Beginning July 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the city's minimum wage will be adjusted annually by the increase of the consumer Consumer Price Index up to a cap of 5%.  For more information about the minimum wage increases mandated by the state Legislature (SB 3) and other California cities, please see California Minimum Wages. 

The Alameda minimum wage law applies to all employers subject to Alameda’s business license requirements, and covers all employees working two hours or more within the within boundaries of Alameda, regardless of the employee's residence or the location of the employer.

Employers will have to post required employee notices, including a workplace poster that must be displayed in a conspicuous place at any workplace or jobsite. Eployers will also be required to maintain payroll records for four years.  Violaters may be subject to administrative citations, penalties and other fees.  The Alameda ordinance requires the city's Department of Community Development to make a suitable notice available by May 1.

For more information on the MWO, see the FAQs on Alameda’s city website.