A St. Louis judge struck down an ordinance on Wednesday that would have eventually raised the city’s minimum wage to $11 an hour.
The increase would have happened in stages through 2018. The first increase would have taken effect on October 15 and would have raised the minimum wage to $8.25. On January 1 of 2016, 2017 and 2018, it would have increased to $9, $10, and $11, respectively.
Circuit judge Steven Ohmer declared the ordinance invalid late Wednesday — a day before it was set to go into effect. Ohmer could not be reached for comment.
A spokesperson for the 22nd circuit court told CNNMoney that Ohmer made his ruling after having considered the increase since October 6.
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed the ordinance in August.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay released a statement in August noting that the increase wouldn’t result in job loss. He said it would “put more money in people’s pockets” and increase consumer spending.
“We want people to work hard and not be dependent on government assistance. So, we should reward hard work with increased wages that will then boost the local economy,” Slay said.
