Over the past several years, we have seen nationwide efforts, often precipitated by unions, to increase the minimum wage at the local level to $15 as a means of addressing economic inequality. The movement, called the "Fight for $15," has seen some success in several states as well as in numerous cities.

In the first part of this two-part series, we looked at upcoming regulatory changes that will definitely affect many organizations. Here, we look at court rulings and state laws that promise more expenses, paperwork, and headaches for many more companies.

New York and California recently made headlines when they became the first states in the nation to adopt plans to raise their statewide minimum wage rates to $15 per hour. The controversial legislation has drawn a myriad of comments from political parties, workers, and business owners, including HVAC contractors.

An increasing number of cities and states are raising their minimum wages. As more politicians and union-affiliated groups push for higher minimum wages, employers need to prepare now for the significant financial, compliance, and regulatory challenges these changes bring.