By On behalf of The Law Offices of Roderick V. Hannah, Esq., P.A.

Workers who have been treated unfairly often pursue wage and hour claims because they are not being paid enough. Even though this is a problem in many areas of the country, workers may be experiencing some relief thanks to economic growth in their neighborhoods. Newly released information about wages in South Florida indicates that the region is experiencing faster growth than many other parts of the country. The statistics show that wages in the private sector in South Florida rose by 2.2 percent, significantly higher than the nation’s overall increase.

Wages in South Florida not only outpaced the national average of 1.9 percent, but they also eclipsed other metro powerhouses including Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Los Angeles and others. The economy in the region appears to be recovering despite the continued impact of the Great Recession, according to experts.

A rise in worker wages is a better measure of job stability than simply counting the number of new jobs that have been added. The rise in pay indicates that employees are in demand throughout the area, so they can demand higher wages for their work. The region as a whole, including Broward and Orlando counties, lead the state thanks to their increased economic growth.

This is an about-face for the South Florida economy, which had lagged behind the nation in wages and benefits before the recession hit about five years ago. Even a year ago, the South Florida business landscape was significantly less robust than the national average. Employers’ commitment to retaining their workers through higher wages is a promising sign for the local economy.

Even with the rise in wages, many workers in the area could still be subjected to employment abuse. If your employer has not paid you a fair rate, or if your company fails to compensate you for overtime, consider speaking to a qualified employment attorney. These professionals can help you learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities.

Source:
articles.sun-sentinel.com, “Wages rise 2.2% in South Florida, higher than national average” Donna Gherke-White, Aug. 07, 2013

Source: http://www.rhannahlaw.com/blog/2013/08/wages-on-upswing-in-south-florida.shtml