OPA should adopt minimum wage

This letter was sent to the Ocean Pines Association Board and forwarded to Bayside Gazette

Members of the Board:

On March 20, 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed a new state minimum wage law. The law raises the state’s minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 by 2025.

For example, in just three short weeks the new law requires large employers to pay a minimum wage  $12.50 per hour.

If I was still on the board I would have already submitted a motion requiring $15 minimum wage for OPA FTE employees effective Jan. 1,  2022.   

My reason is based on the current rate of inflation and on two key issues which present major risk to the inflation outlook.

They are namely an ongoing labor supply/demand challenges in the service sector and the recent increases in housing prices which are forecasted to continue into 2022.

Therefore, I encourage the board to take a bold position by approving the $15 minimum wage promptly.

It is my hope the board will act in unison on this minimum wage issue. This will send a clear message to the OPA employees; that they are our most important asset.   

The below web link is provided for your convenience. Maryland Department of Labor states that employers are required by law to post this information: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wages/minimumwagelaw.pdf

Wishing everyone healthy and joyful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Slobodan Trendic
Ocean Pines