Friday, May 9, 2025

Arizona: Proposed Legislation Seeks MLB Exemption From Minimum Wage

In Arizona, a legislative debate is unfolding over a proposed bill, HB 2197, which aims to exempt Major League Baseball (MLB) from the obligation to pay minor league players the state’s minimum wage, currently set at $14.25 per hour. This development has stirred controversy among various stakeholders, given the ongoing concerns about the financial struggles faced by minor league players.

Despite recent improvements in compensation and benefits following a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB, there are still voices raising concerns about whether these players receive fair compensation. Former minor league pitcher Tyler Watson, who spent eight years in the system, highlighted the difficult living conditions many players endure, such as sharing cramped accommodations to make ends meet. 

“If you can’t have a host family, it’s definitely hard because you get people living on air mattresses in a one-bedroom apartment with four other guys,” Watson to local publication Arizona’s Family.

MLB defends its stance by arguing that the nature of minor leaguers’ work, which includes activities like exercising, training, and studying game videos, does not lend itself to conventional hourly tracking. 

Hugo Polanco, representing LUCHA, a grassroots group instrumental in passing Prop 206 that raised Arizona’s minimum wage, strongly opposes the bill. 

He argues that the voter-backed Prop 206 was designed to protect all workers in Arizona, without exceptions for large businesses like MLB. Polanco warns that granting such an exemption to MLB could set a precedent, potentially inviting other corporations to seek similar exceptions in Arizona.

“This is a way of devaluing Arizonan’s minimum wage that Arizonans passed, and this would send a signal to other corporations, ‘Hey, you can come to Arizona and get an exception and not have to pay workers, Arizonans what they deserve,’” Polanco said.


Information for this story was found via Arizona’s Family, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Endeavour Mining Q1 Earnings: Cash Flow Is King

G Mining Oko West Feasibility: Move Fast, Break.. Nothing?

New Gold Q1 Earnings: What’s Behind The Market’s Surprising Reaction?

Recommended

First Majestic Posts Record Cash Flows In Q1 As Production Costs Fall

Brazil Potash Secures Funding In Support Of US$2.5 Billion Autozales Project

Related News

Red White & Bloom Obtains Regulatory Approval For Platinum Vapes In Arizona

Red White & Bloom (CSE: RWB) has finally launched its Platinum Vape products into the...

Friday, February 19, 2021, 07:43:42 AM

Ayr Strategies Enters Arizona Market With $81 Million Acquisition

Ayr Strategies (CSE: AYR.A) has wasted no time expanding into the Arizona market following the...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 08:50:47 AM

Patagonia Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Email Tracking Practices

The complaint alleges that the company collects sensitive information about email recipients without consent....
Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 01:06:00 PM

State Senator Wendy Rogers Proposes to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender in Arizona

Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers on Wednesday introduced a set of bills that seek to...

Thursday, January 26, 2023, 10:31:00 AM

Zillow Home Loans Launches 1% Down Payment Program in Arizona

Zillow Home Loans announced last week the launch of its 1% Down Payment program, which...

Monday, August 28, 2023, 02:12:00 PM