Omaha proposes minimum wage ordinance: Make your voice heard to ensure equal wages for youth workers

Omaha has an opportunity to stand up for young workers and ensure equal pay for equal work. Councilman Danny Begley has introduced an ordinance that would eliminate the regressive sub-minimum wage for young people passed in LB 258 and restore annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), helping wages keep pace with rising costs.

If approved, the ordinance would restore a single minimum wage standard for all workers in Omaha, regardless of age. This change would benefit thousands of Nebraska youth who work in restaurants, retail stores, child care programs, and other essential industries. Young people often work to help support themselves and their families, save for college or training programs, and gain valuable work experience. They deserve to be paid fairly for their work.

The Omaha City Council heard the ordinance on first reading on June 9, and a public hearing is scheduled for June 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center (1819 Farnam Street).

Take action today: Contact your City Council members, attend the public hearing, and speak out in support of fair wages for all workers. Your voice can help ensure that Omaha’s young workers are treated with dignity and compensated fairly.

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