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Alaska's Ballot Measure 1: Minimum Wage Increases and Employee Meeting Rights Explained

  • Writer: Kristen Donchess
    Kristen Donchess
  • Aug 11
  • 2 min read

Ballot Measure 1 didn’t just create Alaska’s new paid sick leave regulation. It also brings two more changes every employer should know about:

  1. A phased increase to the state minimum wage, and

  2. A new rule protecting employees from being required to attend political or religious meetings at work.


Both took effect July 1, 2025. Here’s what they mean for your business.


Minimum Wage Increases (2025–2027)


  • $13.00/hour – July 1, 2025 (up from $11.91)

  • $14.00/hour – July 1, 2026

  • $15.00/hour – July 1, 2027

  • Starting January 1, 2028: Annual inflation adjustments using Alaska’s CPI.

  • Alaska’s rate will always be at least $2 higher than the federal minimum wage.


Exempt salary thresholds will also rise (2× the minimum wage based on 40 hours/week):

  • $1,040/week (≈$54,080/year) – July 1, 2025

  • $1,120/week (≈$58,240/year) – July 1, 2026

  • $1,200/week (≈$62,400/year) – July 1, 2027


Employer tips:

  • Review pay rates for hourly and salaried staff now.

  • Adjust pay scales for roles close to the new minimum to avoid compression.

  • Remember Alaska has no tip credit – tipped staff must get the full minimum plus tips.


US Dollars
US Dollars

New Rule on Political/Religious Meetings


Employers can no longer require employees to attend meetings or communications whose primary purpose is to share the employer’s political or religious views. Employees can opt out without penalty.


What’s covered:

  • Political endorsements, legislative stances, unionization opinions.

  • Religious beliefs, practices, or worship.


What’s allowed:

  • Legally required trainings.

  • Work-related meetings.

  • Religious content for bona fide religious organizations.

  • Academic program content at colleges/universities.


Employer tips:

  • Make political/religious meetings voluntary.

  • Train managers to avoid mixing personal beliefs with required work meetings.

  • Update employee handbooks to reflect the new right.

Workplace meeting
Workplace meeting

How MCAC Can Help

From wage and budget planning to handbook updates and manager training, MCAC can guide you through all three parts of Ballot Measure 1. We’ll help you stay compliant and support a healthy, fair workplace.



Resources:

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