The state of Texas follows the federal standards for setting the minimum wage. In direct conflict of this state law, the city of Austin attempted to raise the minimum wage by mandating paid sick leave.
Key Points:
- The Texas Minimum Wage Act preempts local regulations that require private employers to pay their employees more than the federal minimum wage.
- Research shows that mandatory paid sick leave ordinances do not achieve their intended purpose of allowing employees to take time off when they are sick.
- The cost and consequences of mandating paid sick leave negatively affect employers, employees, and consumers.