No. You’re not paying any more for labor than your competition. Unless you all (competitors) plan to take a pay cut in the process, prices will rise to offset the additional costs.
Here is the Federal Dept. of Labor link to qick facts. See epsecially the exemption for businesses grossing under $500K. I can verify I have read the Act for the exemption. [size=1] All the other links below I found using google. I do not attest or warrant their verasity . . . for entertainment purposes only, no other warranty is expressed or implied.[/size]
[b]What you need to know about the Federal Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The federal minimum wage for nonexempt employees was raised in May of 2007 increasing it from $5.15 per hour, set in 1997 to:
$5.85 per hour, effective July 24th 2007
$6.55 per hour, effective July 24th 2008
$7.25 per hour, effective July 24th 2009
Every employer of employees subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage provisions must post, and keep posted, a notice explaining the Act in a conspicuous place in all of their establishments so as to permit employees to readily read it. To be compliant with federal employment law, your business must post the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. [/b]
The text I read, that isn’t the new stuff just passed, says “5 or fewer employees” is the test for coverage.
Georgia has more restrictive law, however, that might state that the test is . . . 2 or more employees and $40K or more gross sales must pay minimum per state regulations. :o
Don’t forget to vote in Fall 2008, and remember that the Democrat Party is the one that pushed this unfunded mandate on us.
You’ve been marked by the Dem’s as greedy, rich profit-mongers, and they are pandering to the economic ignorance of most of their voters by forcing you to pay up.
The Republicans are not perfect, but at least they believe in letting the free market determine that value of goods & services.
I appreciate you good wishes. I will actually pull dozens of applications when we put out the call. You see, money is not everything in every market. We are the only viable employment opportunity for teenagers (wait staff - dishwashers) and young adults in our town. One day there will be other employers, but we are the bright light that everyone sees.
They have the option of a job in town for .50 less per hour, or maintain a car and drive 20 to 30 minutes each way for really lousy treatment and less than prestigious employment.
We do just fine, and will keep it going. We keep our eye on the prize, and walk toward it every day.