OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the U.S. Department of Labor’s petition for rehearing en banc in an appeal challenging a federal rule that established a minimum wage increase for federal contractors of $15.00 per hour in 2022, with additional increases annually (as of January 1, 2024, the current rate is $17.20 per hour, and as of January 1, 2025, the rate will increase to $17.75 per hour). In the brief, the attorneys general highlight the importance of strong wage protections and argue that the rulemaking is backed by data and is consistent with the Department of Labor’s authority under the law. 

“In California, we understand that fair wages and robust worker protections are good for business – it’s why we have the fifth largest economy in the world,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I strongly support the Department of Labor’s rulemaking lifting the minimum wage for federal contractors. This commonsense, data-driven rate will help lift workers out of poverty while improving productivity and efficiency. It’s a win-win.” 

In the amicus brief, the attorneys general support the authority of the Department of Labor to set the federal contractor minimum wage. Studies back up the Department of Labor’s rulemaking, showing that the benefits of the increased minimum wage – increased productivity, reduced turnover, and an improvement in the quality of services resulting from increased employee morale, productivity, and performance – outweighs any additional costs the wage increase might impose on employers or the public. Studies also show that higher wages play an important function in reducing poverty for workers, especially those that are historically underpaid or otherwise disadvantaged. 

Attorney General Bonta is dedicated to upholding workers' rights and combating unfair labor practices. In 2024, Attorney General Bonta filed 31 criminal charges against US Framing for wage theft and tax evasion; defended wages and overtime owed in the West Coast Drywall lawsuit; and secured a settlement with Amalfi Stone & Masonry Company, Inc., resolving allegations of unfair competition, payroll tax, and labor violations. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta launched a historic investigation into gender discrimination in the National Football League; joined 17 attorneys general in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule limiting non-compete agreements; launched a legal fight for in-home-healthcare workers; and fought for the rights of transportation workers and immigrant children.

Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in filing the brief. 

A copy of the brief is available here.