I’m getting a raise
Yesterday, by a vote of 50-8, the New York State Senate overrode Governor Pataki’s veto of a bill to increase the State’s minimum wage. On January first, minimum wage in the state increases to $6.00/hr from the federal minimum of $5.15. Further, the rate increases to $6.75 in January 2006 and $7.15 in January 2007.
I got an automatic 50¢ raise back in February when I passed 1,000 hours of service, so I’m getting $5.65 right now. I’m not sure what the library’s policy will be on this. It would be nice if it remains at 50¢ over minimum.
I may find out next Tuesday at the annual staff meeting and luncheon. Attendence by pages is optional—I’ve already opted-in. There’s to be an address by the library director followed by a catered lunch. We get paid for attending the address (which is why I opted-in) and I seldom turn down the offer of free food.
I had been thinking of giving up a weekday shift in January. I really need two consecutive days off during the week for business. This makes the decision a little easier since reducing my hours would mean only $13 less per pay period at $6/hr or $2 less per pay period at $6.50.
