y

" In 2007, the United States enacted a law incrementally raising the minimum wages in American Samoa and the CNMI until they equal the U.S. minimum wage. American Samoa's minimum wage increased by $.50 per hour three times, and the CNMI's four times before legislation delayed the increases amid concerns that they would have a detrimental effect on the American Samoa and CNMI economies. The most recent increase in American Samoa occurred on May 25, 2009. The next is scheduled for September 30, 2015, with additional increases every 3 years thereafter. Under current law, the minimum wage in American Samoa's tuna canning industry will equal the current U.S. minimum wage of $7.25 in 2027. The CNMI's most recent increase occurred on September 30, 2012. The next increase is scheduled for September 30, 2014, with additional increases in 2016 and annually thereafter until it reaches the U.S. minimum wage. GAO is mandated to report in 2014, and every 3 years thereafter, on the impact of the minimum wage increases. This report updates our previous reports and discusses for each territory (1) changes in employment and earnings and (2) changes in key industries since the most recent federal minimum wage increase and since the increases began. GAO reviewed local and federal earnings information; collected data from employers in key industries through a questionnaire and from employers and workers through discussion groups and interviews"