Missouri Bill Would Let Employers Pay Teens Just $12.30 an Hour, Sparking Labor Backlash
A Missouri Senate bill would let employers pay workers under 18 a lower minimum rate than adults, drawing sharp reaction from labor groups and business advocates.
Senate Bill 1325, sponsored by Republican Sen. Joe Nicola, would allow employers to pay employees under 18 years old a minimum of $12.30 per hour or the prevailing federal minimum wage whichever is higher even as Missouri’s scheduled minimum wage climbs to $15 by 2026.
That provision has raised concerns among unions and worker advocates, who argue it creates a “sub-minimum wage” for younger workers and could undercut wage gains for the broader workforce. Labor coalition Missouri AFL-CIO publicly criticized the proposal, saying it would create a lower wage tier for thousands of Missouri workers.
The bill’s official summary says it “creates a sub-minimum wage rate for minors.” It was heard Feb. 4, 2026, before the Senate’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee and remains pending.
Proponents argue the change could help businesses that hire a large number of teenagers by making labor costs more flexible at entry-level positions. Opponents counter that lowering pay for young workers sends the wrong message and may discourage education or long-term employment.
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“Missouri needs to ensure fair wages for all workers, regardless of age,” said one labor advocate in a social media post critical of the proposal.
The bill moves in a session shaped by the 2024 voter-approved Proposition A, which set a $15 minimum wage by 2026. Its advocates say age-based exceptions could churn debate this legislative session.
If passed, SB 1325 could be enacted by August 2026. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the measure as committee hearings continue. The bill’s progress, and any amendments, will shape the fate of the proposed wage structure for minors.
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