The year is coming to an end, but not the good news. Even though, as our grandmothers would say, “life is getting more expensive,” the trident of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are going to have some very good news to start the year. And it has to do with the fact that they are the regions in which it costs the most to live per resident, so 2025 has decided to bring them a ray of hope in the midst of so much spending: the announcement of salary increases! That’s right, after a long fight for fairer working conditions, these three regions have finally achieved it. We are going to tell you below what this salary increase means and how it will impact the local economy, stay tuned!
What exactly is going to change?
Starting January 1, the federal minimum wage (currently at $7.25 per hour and unchanged from 2009) will increase in some states to make it easier for residents of these areas to live a more peaceful and dignified life. These states have not been the only ones to see changes in this tri-national area of the United States. That is why the minimum wage will be increased at the state level year after year.
There are currently thirty states that have this legislation, and the idea is to offer a salary that is above the minimum wage, so that residents can maintain a stable economy in these areas of such economic impact.
New York a slow but effective adjustment
2025 will see the state minimum wage rise from $15 to $15.50 per hour, but it has a peculiarity and that is that in the New York City, Long Island and Western Westchester area the increase will be from $16 to $16.50.
What does this increase mean?
Well, it is more than just a pay rise, it is an attempt to close a huge gap between income and the cost of living in that area. And, in commerce and hospitality especially, these changes will not only benefit employees, but will also boost local consumption. As we have already mentioned several times, the economy is like a cycle, and the more active a customer can be, the more spending they will probably generate (thus contributing to local businesses, mainly).
What changes in New Jersey?
New Jersey will see an increase in wages from $15.13 to $15.49 per hour. Although it seems small, it is still an important step forward, especially in a state that is always on the front line to improve the working conditions of its workers. In addition to everything, the State plans to continue increasing annual salaries, based on inflation data (so that not only the purchasing power of workers is protected but also stability is ensured for companies).
Connecticut: gold medal in change. The increase in that area will be from $15.69 per hour to $16.35 per hour. While this may seem like a small change, it marks a milestone in passing the $16 per hour minimum wage! This change has placed Connecticut among the national leaders in wage fairness. And this is just the beginning.
What do I do if I don’t get a raise?
State laws are there to be enforced, however there is always the possibility that there are employers who want to ignore these changes. If you find out that your employer is not respecting the new minimum wages, you should know that there are resources available to you for each of these areas:
- Connecticut: through the Connecticut Department of Labor, you can file a formal complaint against your employer. This resource is designed so that workers are heard and their labour rights are respected.
- If you are part of the New York area, you can contact 833-910-4-378 or use the New York Department of Labor Portal to receive advice and follow-up to ensure that employers comply with the new regulations that are agreed upon.
- In the case of New Jersey, it will be through the New Jersey Department of Labor where you will have to fill out a form to report any irregularities that your employer is carrying out. Make sure to save all evidence such as pay stubs to support your case!
Small changes make a big difference. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have shown that hard work should be rewarded. While the rest of the country is left with a challenge to overcome, this wage adjustment will not only improve the lives of those who work, but will also create stronger communities and healthier local economies. Although the door is not closed to the possibility of wage changes in the coming years, it must be made clear that this change already means a lot to many of us. Congratulations on what has been achieved!