"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Council Passes Minimum Wage Act

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council passed a minimum wage act for employees of the Cherokee Nation and its corporations and entities during the November council meeting. The increase will be implemented over a period of two years.

With an effective date after January 1, 2007, the minimum wage will start at $7.50 per hour and will increase to $9 per hour in 2008. The wages will be prorated for all employees making below $8.49 per hour.

“The Cherokee Nation cares about all employees, and this legislation is a fair way to help all of them, both new employees and our many long-term employees,” said Principal Chief Chad Smith. “We want to provide our employees with good opportunities, good jobs and good benefits. By doing so, we are better able to strengthen our communities, our families and our people.”

At-Large Tribal Councilor Jack Baker said that by prorating the increase more employees will benefit and it will be fair to those with more experience. Approximately 227 employees will benefit from the action.

“We had a concern for our long-term employees and we wanted to be fair to those who had more experience in their positions,” Baker said. “Under this plan, we are able to help more employees while still compensating those with experience.”

The Tribal Council also voted to sustain a veto made by Principal Chief Chad Smith regarding representative districts. The Tribal Council passed a motion revising earlier proposed districts and establishing the creation of 15 districts within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. Concerns were expressed by a few of the councilors who noted that the current plan does not allow enough time for potential candidates to file for election nor enough time to fully educate voters on the new district boundaries.

In other business, the Tribal Council passed acts relating to adult probation and parole, domestic violence, paternity, warrantless arrest standards and child support. The council also moved to table a discussion providing for the election of the Office of Attorney General for the tribe.