CW: Sheltered Workshops
Advocates are celebrating a Nevada law that phased out subminimum wage for disabled people. Assembly Bill 259, which prohibits Nevada businesses from allowing them to pay employees less than the state minimum wage, has resulted in this development. Some advocates argue that the practice might leave disabled people. vulnerable to exploitation.
Assemblywoman Tracy Brown-May, D-Las Vegas, proposed the bill while also acting as chief administrative officer for Opportunity Village, a nearly 70-year-old Las Vegas nonprofit organization that provides services to disabled people.
“We were trying to create long-term solutions that were both paid and unpaid activities as a result of this continuing headwind for inclusion, equity, fairness, and pay,” Brown-May said. “So if you’re employed — and I truly believe this — if you’re employed, you should earn a fair wage. Employment is employment. You should get minimum wage.”
Those who opposed increasing pay said that subminimum wages allowed disabled people to work and obtain training. A similar measure had been proposed in 2019, but it was never voted on. The phasing-out phase allows people to continue receiving job training while service providers rebuild their operations, with the goal of prohibiting payment below the state minimum wage for jobs and day training services beginning January 1, 2028. The Nevada minimum wage is $12 per hour.
According to the US Department of Labor, four Nevada companies have or have applied for a certificate under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act that allows them to pay subminimum rates to workers with disabilities “that impair their productivity for the work they perform.” According to the data, 154 workers make less than $12, with the earliest certificate expiring in February and the latest in September of this year.
The organizations — Alpha Production Technologies Inc., Progressive Choices Inc., Ruby Mountain Resource Center, and United Cerebral Palsy of Nevada — also provide rehabilitation services, day programs , training, and/or opportunities for employment for disabled people .
Disabled people should be paid fairly for their work. Data shows that disabled people are dependable, creative, and diligent employees. At the same time, there should be appropriate options available for those who currently work in sheltered workshops.
Sources:
“All in Easterseals Plan for Disability Equity.” Easterseals, Easterseals, https://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/employment-training/all-in/.
Gilani, Haajrah. “New Nevada Law That Takes Effect Today Aims for Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities.” Las Vegas Sun, Greenspun Media Group, 1 Jan. 2025, lasvegassun.com/news/2025/jan/01/new-nevada-law-that-takes-effect-today-aims-for-fa/.