In November 2025, Missouri voters approved Proposition A, a measure aiming to enhance workers’ rights by increasing the minimum wage and instituting paid sick leave.
However, recent legal challenges threaten to overturn these changes.
A Key Provisions
Proposition A introduced significant labor reforms in Missouri:
- Minimum Wage Increase: Gradual rise from $12.30 to $15 per hour by 2026.
- Paid Sick Leave: Accrual of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with annual usage limits based on company size.
Legal Challenges
Business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argue that Proposition A violates the Missouri Constitution’s single subject rule by addressing both minimum wage and paid sick leave.
They also claim the ballot language was misleading. The Missouri Supreme Court is currently deliberating on these challenges.
Employer and Employee Perspectives
- Employers’ Concerns: Potential economic impact and administrative burden of implementing paid sick leave policies.
- Employees’ Support: Advocacy for fair wages and paid sick leave as essential worker rights.
Potential Outcomes
- If Overturned: Reversion to previous minimum wage rates and absence of mandated paid sick leave.
- If Upheld: Implementation of the wage increases and paid sick leave provisions as outlined in Proposition A.
Employer Paid Sick Leave Obligations
| Employer Size | Annual Paid Sick Leave (hours) |
|---|---|
| <15 employees | 40 |
| ≥15 employees | 56 |
The Missouri Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision will have significant implications for both employers and employees.
It will determine whether the state’s labor landscape will shift towards enhanced worker benefits or revert to previous standards.