This morning, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced that all new and full-time city employees will be paid $15 an hour, as part of a union collective bargaining agreement.
Local 1464 president Stephen Simon and city council member John Dingfelder, who proposed the wage increase in his budget requests, were both present for the announcement.
The wage increases will go into effect as of October 1, when the city’s new budget kicks in.
“One of our greatest challenges to attracting talent to our area, is our low wages,” said Castor. “This has been something that has been a topic of conversation since I took office.”
Out of the roughly 4,500 city employees, 50 do not make $15 an hour, said Castor, who also added that that the new wages will cost the city an estimated $70,000.
“Our wages are often lower than municipalities right around us and throughout the state," said at Castor at this morning’s press conference. "Growing the talent that we need to ensure a strong future for Tampa means that we pay a living wage."
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