When will Missouri’s minimum wage increase? What to know after Proposition A passes
Some workers in Missouri will soon take home more in their paychecks. On Nov. 5, Proposition A passed with 57.6% of the votes, meaning approximately 1.6 million Missourians supported the law.
Under Proposition A, Missouri’s cashiers, restaurant hosts, dishwashers and fast food workers are some of the most likely to receive raises, up to $15 an hour in 2026. At least three-fourths of these Missouri workers were paid less than $15 an hour in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Richard von Glahn is the campaign manager for Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, which introduced the petition. He was excited that “working people will get more of what they deserve for their labor.”
Most Missouri workers will be able to earn paid sick time under the new law. Missouri is the 16th state in the nation to institute a statewide policy.
Von Glahn said he’s heard from Missouri parents who have to choose between caring for a sick child and paying the bills.
“That’s not a choice that anyone should have to make,” he said.
Here is what employees should know about their rights under Missouri’s new Proposition A.
When will Proposition A take effect?
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the Missouri minimum wage will increase from $12.30 per hour to $13.75.
Employers will have longer to draw up sick time policies. On May 1, 2025, they need to be in place, and workers can start earning one hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked.
Which companies are exempt from Proposition A?
Governments, school districts and educational institutions won’t have to increase their wages. This is consistent with the current minimum wage laws on the books in Missouri. The wage hike applies to businesses of all sizes.
The sick leave policy has more exceptions. According to the proposal, the earned sick leave provision would not apply to government workers, retail or service employees who work for a business that makes less than $500,000 a year, in addition to people who are incarcerated, golf caddies, and babysitters, among others.
While employees at businesses with 15 or more employees can use up to 56 hours of paid sick time a year, those at smaller companies are capped at using 40 hours a year, unless the business sets a higher limit.
What if my employer already has a sick time policy?
That depends on what the policy includes.
“If employers have an existing sick time policy, as long as it meets the provisions of Proposition A, that doesn’t necessarily change their policy,” von Glahn said.
Under Proposition A, a sick leave policy must, among other requirements,
Allow workers to take sick time for themselves or to care for family members.
Not require employees to find someone to cover for their shift.
Not require advance notice to take sick time.
Von Glahn said that if your company has more restrictions on sick time than what Proposition A allows, your employer “would have to provide more time that could be used in compliance with with Proposition A.”
What should I do if my employer doesn’t follow the new policies under Proposition A?
If you are not getting paid correctly or getting your benefits, contact the Missouri Department of Labor’s Division of Labor Standards at 573-751-3403 or minimumwage@labor.mo.gov. You might need to fill out the department’s minimum wage complaint form.
Have more questions about jobs in Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
