If several state legislators succeed in their efforts to increase minimum wage in Louisiana, certain University employees could see a pay raise as early as 2015.
Ernie Ballard, University director of media relations, said in an email that the University currently employs some part-time workers who are paid at the minimum wage, and LSU would have to increase the wages of anyone below the new amount.
Ticket takers and other gameday personnel are among those who are paid minimum wage by the University.
Ballard said the Department of Labor would also mandate that student workers being paid minimum wage be eligible for an increase in pay.
At least four lawmakers have filed legislation to increase minimum wage in Louisiana, including District 26 representative Herbert B. Dixon, a Democrat who chairs the labor and industrial relations committee in the House.
Dixon’s proposal would gradually increase the state minimum wage over the course of two years — to $8.25 in July 2015 and to $9 in 2016.
Other bills to be voted on in the upcoming legislative session could raise the minimum wage up to $10.10 in Louisiana.
Dixon said Louisiana is one of only five states without its own minimum wage, instead complying with the federal standard of $7.25 per hour.
Dixon said only 10 percent of minimum wage jobs are held by individuals 20 years old and younger. He said the focus of his legislation was to aid older minimum wage recipients who may have families to support.
Dixon acknowledged that he did not think his legislation would significantly impact Louisiana universities, saying his wage proposal would primarily affect the private sector.
Gov. Bobby Jindal has come out publicly against any minimum wage increases in the state, even drawing national media attention Feb. 24 for his remarks against minimum wage increases outside the White House.
“I think there are things we can do instead of waving the white flag of surrender, instead of declaring this economy to be a minimum wage economy. I think our economy, I think America can do better,” Jindal said
Despite the governor’s opposition, a recent survey from Public Policy Polling revealed a majority of Louisianians are in favor of a $10 state minimum wage.