Connecticut's Department of Labor said that as many as 200,000 low-wage workers will be affected by the increase of minimum wage to $13 per hour this month.
This is part of the multi-phase state law that is in the process of increasing minimum wage from $10.10 an hour to $15 an hour by 2023.
The Connecticut Food Association said this wage increase perhaps will serve as motivation to have people come back to work. The food industry reports a worker shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state Department of Labor said the wage increase is "one more positive step towards equity.” The measure passed in 2019 under Governor Ned Lamont.