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πŸ’Ό Employment Preemption/Minimum Wage Preemption

Minimum Wage Preemption: Foster Center vs Providence

How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Providence, RI?

Foster Center has fewer restrictions than Providence.

Foster Center, RI

Providence County

Some Restrictions

Rhode Island sets minimum wage statewide under RIGL Chapter 28-12, with the rate scheduled to reach $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2025, generally preempting local minimum wage ordinances.

View full Foster Center rules β†’

Providence, RI

Providence County

Heavy Restrictions

Rhode Island sets the minimum wage statewide under General Laws 28-12, rising from $14 toward $15 plus, and preempts city wage floors. Providence cannot adopt a separate higher minimum wage.

View full Providence rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFoster CenterProvidence
--
State law-RI 28-12
Preemption-Cities cannot exceed
Tipped wage-Lower subminimum
Enforcement-DLT and AG

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Foster Center FAQ

Providence FAQ

Can Providence raise its own wage?

Not for private employers. Rhode Island preempts city wage floors, so Providence can only set wage standards for its own contracts and employees.

Are tipped workers covered separately?

Yes. Rhode Island sets a lower tipped-wage rate. Employers must make up any shortfall when tips do not bring earnings to the full minimum wage.

Compare other topics

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