Worker Advocates Call for Boost in NJ Minimum Wage

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - July 1, 2008 A worker advocacy group -- The Raise the Wage Campaign -- says $7.15 per hour is no longer enough. It's planning a Tuesday event in Trenton to announce the push for an increase.

In December, a state commission said the minimum wage should be increased to $8.25 per hour and then boosted annually to keep pace with inflation. But lawmakers haven't acted on the proposal.

An $8.25 minimum wage would be the nation's highest.

Businesses oppose increasing the minimum wage, saying it will boost prices and force employers to cut jobs.