
The City and County of Denver are set to increase their minimum wage from $18.29 to $18.81 per hour when the calendar flips to January 1, 2025. The near half-dollar bump is the result of annual adjustments tied to the cost of living and inflation rates, aiming to provide workers with wages that better match the economic demands of the region. The oversight and enforcement of this wage hike fall under the purview of Denver Labor, a division housed within the Denver Auditor's Office.
Denver Labor takes the lead on both educating and enforcing wage laws across the city, paying special attention to industries historically vulnerable to wage violations, such as construction and the gig economy. "We understand that these changes can impact both workers and businesses, so we provide a variety of resources to ensure everyone is well-informed," Auditor O'Brien stated, as per the City and County of Denver.
An outreach campaign to spread awareness about the updated minimum wage is already in the works, featuring bilingual advertisements set to be displayed across grocery stores, bus stops, billboards, and the digital realm. Moreover, employers are required to exhibit a bilingual poster at the workplace, detailing the wage updates, a resource provided by the Auditor's office.
Recent research from Rutgers University, referenced by Denver Labor, reveals that a staggering number of workers in the Denver metro area are short-changed on their paychecks. The study estimates total losses at around $656 million for underpaid workers, with average losses per affected individual nearing $3,000. Denver Labor Executive Director Matthew Fritz-Mauer highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, "Our office takes on the responsibility to ensure workers are paid what they are owed. If workers think they've had their wages stolen, they should call us, and we'll enforce their rights." Notably, in 2024, Denver Labor managed to recover upwards of $2 million in restitution for over 4,500 people.
The city has in place certain provisions for employers to claim a tip credit for qualified food and beverage workers, allowing wage deductions up to $3.02 per hour against the minimum wage responsibilities, as tips can subsidize these earnings. However, employers must keep proper records of the tips to qualify for this credit. To assist in the enforcement and education of these regulations, Denver Labor also offers a minimum wage calculator on its website for employees to verify they’re indeed receiving the mandated wage.