HENRICO, Va. (WRIC) — Starting Jan. 1, minimum wage workers in Virginia are getting a raise.
Thanks to legislation passed last year, the minimum wage will rise statewide from $9.50 to $11 an hour.
This is just the first in a series of planned increases, already enshrined into law, that will see Virginia’s minimum wage rise to $15 an hour by 2026.
Employees making less than that are looking forward to a livable paycheck.
While some small business owners expressed hesitation over the increase, many said staffing shortages have already driven them to increase pay.
Tiffany Sherman, the owner of Quilter’s Corner in Midlothian, said it took time to adjust to this change.
“It’s a little scary, especially since we went from $7.25 to $9.00 last year. I’ve always been above that mark, but just seeing it continuing to grow I do agree that people need a living wage,” she said.
Sherman said she was concerned about having to raise prices to accommodate for the payroll, but she was able to give all employees at least $11 or more.
Gary Weiner, the owner of Saxon Shoes in Short Pump, said his workers all make at least $11 already.
“We escalated wages to get our staff back and long term it may mean working with a few less people here,” he said. “A few less people paid a little better, maybe doing the job a little better.”
Weiner said he also believes everyone deserves a livable wage.
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