Mile High Magazine 1/04/2026 Denver Labor

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 | 17:06

Guest: Matthew Fritz-Mauer Executive Director Denver’s minimum wage will rise to $19.29 per hour on January 1, and all employers must update their payroll systems to comply with the new rate, which increases annually based on the cost of living. Wage theft occurs when workers are not paid what they are legally owed—whether proper hourly wages, overtime, or paid sick leave—and Denver Labor offers free assistance to anyone who believes their rights have been violated, recovering $2.3 million for 7,200 workers in 2025 alone. As more people turn to gig apps for extra income, many are misclassified as independent contractors, leaving them without minimum wage protections, overtime, paid sick leave, or employer tax contributions, since workplace rights apply only to employees. Staying informed and speaking up ensures every worker receives the fair treatment they deserve. denverwages.org