California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The brief supports the U.S. Department of Labor's petition for a rehearing en banc regarding a federal rule that increased the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15.00 per hour in 2022, with subsequent annual increases. As of January 1, 2024, the rate is $17.20 per hour and will rise to $17.75 per hour on January 1, 2025.
The attorneys general argue that strong wage protections are crucial and assert that the rulemaking is data-driven and consistent with the Department of Labor's legal authority. "In California, we understand that fair wages and robust worker protections are good for business – it’s why we have the fifth largest economy in the world," said Attorney General Bonta. "I strongly support the Department of Labor’s rulemaking lifting the minimum wage for federal contractors."
The brief emphasizes studies supporting the Department of Labor's authority to set this wage standard, highlighting benefits such as increased productivity and reduced turnover outweighing potential costs. These studies also indicate higher wages reduce poverty among historically underpaid workers.
Attorney General Bonta remains committed to defending workers' rights and addressing unfair labor practices. In 2024 alone, he filed criminal charges against US Framing for wage theft and tax evasion, defended workers' rights in a lawsuit against West Coast Drywall, and secured a settlement with Amalfi Stone & Masonry Company over labor violations.
Joining Attorney General Bonta in filing this brief are attorneys general from Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
A copy of the brief is available here.