The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma will be raising its minimum wage to $9.50 over the next two years.

Chief Bill John Baker signed an executive order for the increase. It will put the tribe well above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

“Even though we’ve had to tighten our belts due to federal sequestration, this is the right thing to do,” Baker said in a press release. “I commend our staff at Cherokee Nation for their responsible budgeting, which has made it possible to help so many of their fellow employees.”

The wage increase doesn't apply to Cherokee Nation Businesses, the tribe's economic development arm. The minimum wage there is $9.36 per hour.

“CNB was already well on their way to bringing the minimum wage closer to $9.50, but I hope this spurs the board of directors to take it further,” Baker said.

Get the Story:
Chief Raises Minimum Wage For Cherokee Nation Employees (News on 6 2/24)
Cherokee Nation lifts minimum wage to $9.50 (The Tulsa World 2/24)