EMPLOYMENT LAW: Schwarzenegger’s Minimum Wage Order Junked by Judge

July 16, 2010

Sacramento - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s order to pay about 200,000 state employees the minimum wage has been rejected by a judge.

According to reports, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette rejected the governor’s request to obtain a temporary restraining order, which will require the controller to immediately pay the imposed federal minimum wage to state workers.

Marlette ruled that implementing Schwarzenegger’s order will negatively affect these workers.

Deputy Controller Hallye Jordan said the judge’s decision will allow state employees to continue receiving their full salary in July and August.

However, Marlette allowed Schwarzenegger’s case to proceed in order for other courts to decide if the controller should follow the governor’s request in the future.

Reports said the next hearing was scheduled on July 26.