Cherokee Nation Approves Minimum Wage Hike

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approves a minimum wage act that will increase the minimum salary paid to the tribe's employees to $9 per hour by 2008.<br/><br/>The first

Wednesday, November 15th 2006, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approves a minimum wage act that will increase the minimum salary paid to the tribe's employees to $9 per hour by 2008.

The first phase of the increase approved at Monday night's council meeting will push the minimum salary to $7.50 after January 1st. The second phase will increase to $9 per hour in 2008.

Tribal Councilor Jack Baker said the wage increase will be prorated to benefit employees with more experience.

Baker says under this plan, officials were able to help more employees while still compensating those with experience.