Many Iowa businesses are gearing up for bigger bills in 2008 as the New Year brings new hourly wages for many workers. The change in Iowa’s minimum wage law will greatly impact many small, individually-owned businesses.
Jake Fish, manager at Roy’s Hometown Grocery in Vinton, says the jump may force him to make some changes. He says they have to cut back some employees, but can’t afford to cut back that many, otherwise the managers will be working more hours.
Fish says, "We might have to cut back a few employees, but we can’t really afford to cut back that many otherwise the managers like myself will be working 80 hours a week instead of 60." Back in April, the minimum wage was raised from $5.15 an hour to $6.20. As of January first, the wage will rise again to $7.25.