If you call the Pacific Northwest home, you can easily understand the cost-of-living crisis. This region has many beautiful sights from vineyards and wildlife refuges, and you naturally, might want to enjoy those things, but they also require money.
Rent, food costs mortgage interest rates (if you want to buy a home) are all spiking. All of these costs can add up, literally, which is why you must be paid fairly.
The current minimum wage in Oregon
The minimum wage in Oregon is defined by three different tiers. For the Portland metropolitan area (parts of Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah counties), the minimum wage is $14.75. For some counties, like Washington, part of the city is defined by this Portland metropolitan wage, and part of the county has a minimum wage of $13.50.
Some counties, like Columbia and Polk, are entirely set by the $13.50 an hour wage. Other counties, like Cook, Jefferson or Sherman, have a $12.50 hourly minimum. If you are unsure about your particular workplace, you can check on this interactive map.
When can I expect this to change?
The current minimum wage standard is set until June 30, 2023. On July 1, 2023, you can expect the state to announce the new standard of minimum wage standards.
What if I am not being paid fairly by wage laws?
You may file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Labor and contact an attorney. No one wants to work for less than they are worth, and an attorney can help advocate for your interests and back pay, if you are owed wages.
With costs in our area at an all-time high, you do not deserve to be short-changed, period. You have rights, use them.