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Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, said it
would have increased costs, led to higher taxes and pushed
businesses to cut jobs.
“With the economy and costs top of mind for many voters this
election, that message appears to have resonated,” said Jennifer
Barrera, the chamber’s president and CEO.
Proponents estimated that the measure would have benefited 2
million workers, including hotel and grocery employees.
“Proposition 32’s failure to pass is disappointing for all
Californians who believe that everyone who works should earn
enough to support their families,” said Kathy Finn, president of
UFCW 770, a Southern California union representing nearly 30,000
workers in various sectors.
The current minimum wage rates are $16 per hour for most workers
and $20 in the fast-food sector. The health care sector will
eventually see its minimum wage reach $25 per hour under a law
that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last year and took
effect in October.
Hawaii passed a law in 2022 to gradually increase the statewide
minimum wage to $18 an hour, but it does not take effect until
2028.
In 2016, California became the first state to pass a $15 hourly
minimum wage under a law signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, also a
Democrat. About 40 cities and counties already have minimum
wages higher than the statewide rate, and six of them require
minimums above $18 per hour as of this year.
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