Creeks to Raise Minimum Wage

[Double A]

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a Tribal Council vote away from raising the $5.15 federal minimum wage paid to its tribal employees to $7.67, which would go into effect in October.

Creek Nation Principal Chief A.D. Ellis said Friday he has been working on increasing the minimum wage for about six months, and it's been a priority for the tribe.

"You can't raise families on six and seven dollars an hour," Ellis said. "We have people who work all week long — 40 hours a week and then go get in line to pick up their commodities. They shouldn't have to be on commodities."

The Creek Nation employs about 3,000 people throughout the Creek Nation, including casinos, and about 1,500 of those are at the minimum wage level.

"Child care workers are making $6.30 an hour, and you can't raise a family on that," Ellis said.

Ellis said he hopes to have the minimum wage raised to $10 by next year.

The tribal council will vote on the comprehensive annual budget within the next 30 days, Ellis said.

MVTO MVSKOKE