Tribal Minimum Wage Increased
Jan 5, 2016
$11.03 Minimum Wage Effective Tsiothohrkó:wa/January 1, 2016
AKWESASNE, NY – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is pleased to announce it has increased the minimum wage for all tribal employees to $11.03. The new minimum wage went into effect on Tsiothohrkó:wa/January 1, 2016 and will immediately benefit approximately 120 tribal employees. It is an increase of 95 cents from the previous minimum wage of $10.08 per/hour.
“This increase represents the Tribe’s efforts to provide a livable wage for tribal employees, especially for our front line workers,” stated Executive Director Tsiorasa Barreiro. “The Tribe’s increase is well above New York State’s minimum wage of $9.00 that went into effect December 31,2015.”
Discussions on the need to increase the tribal minimum wage took place in the summer of 2015 between the Tribal Council,Executive Directorand Chief Financial Officer. Talks focused on balancing the needs of the staff, the needs of the community and the needs of the Tribe given the economic climate in Northern NY and across the United States.
“We’re pleased that a ‘team approach’ has resulted in a more-appropriate minimum wage for tribal staff,” stated Tribal Council. “Tribal employees are our greatest asset and the minimum wage increase represents their value to the organization, while still being fiscally responsible to tribal programs and the protection of community interests.”
The new tribal minimum wage serves as the base rate for the SRMT Wage Scale that compensates all tribal employees according to job code and classification.The wage scale was amended through a tribal council resolution.
No incoming or current employee of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe will receive compensation less than the new tribal minimum wage, except for trainees and students that are specifically designated to receive a rate below the federal minimum wage.
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Please direct media inquiries to the Communications Department at 518-358-2272.