AFL-CIO seeks to raise MA minimum wage

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The state's largest organized labor group wants to raise the minimum wage.

The AFL-CIO of Massachusetts wants to increase wages by 2 dollars over the next three years. That would make the state the highest base wage rate in the country.

The last time it was raised was in 2008 to 8 dollars. Under this bill it could go up to 10 dollars by 2013.

This proposal is stirring up discussion and disagreements.

John Woods of Springfield told 22News,”I think it's great, the more money the better for people, things are getting real costly now.”

“I think with so many people looking for jobs, that would make it harder for employers to hire people at a higher rate.”, said Donna Pawline from Agawam

The AFL-CIO argues that people who are low wage workers spend the majority of their money in the local economy.

So this increase would result in economic growth locally.