Ballot Measure 1, passed by voters in the 2025 general election, is a voter initiative that (1) increases the minimum wage, (2) establishes the Alaska Paid Sick Leave Act (“Act”) to provide a minimum paid sick leave benefit to employees and protected uses, and (3) prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings or engage in communications for the primary purpose of sharing political or religious opinions. Employers must provide notice to employees of their rights under the Act no later than July 31, 2025.
Below are some of the major changes to Alaska’s minimum wage and hour law as implemented through Ballot Measure 1:
1. Minimum Wage Increase.
Ballot Measure 1 increased the Alaska hourly minimum wage to $13 on July 1, 2025, and provides for an annual increase of $1 for the following two years thereafter. As the minimum wage increases, the salaries of exempt employees must also increase. This is because under Alaska Statute 23.10.055, the salary of an exempt employee must be at least twice the minimum wage rate based on a 40-hour work week. The minimum wage and minimum salary level for exempt employees (“EE”) will increase as follows:
| Minimum Wage | Minimum salary – EE | Effective Date |
| $13.00 | $1,040.00/week | July 1, 2025 |
| $14.00 | $1,120.00/week | July 1, 2026 |
| $15.00 | $1,200.00/week | July 1, 2027 |
Beginning January 1, 2028, the minimum wage will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
2. Alaska Paid Sick Leave Act.
Ballot...
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