In a significant development for Virginia workers, the state legislature passed a bill on February 17, 2026, to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. This wage hike, which will be phased in over the next three years, marks a crucial victory for labor advocates who have long called for higher wages to address the rising cost of living in the state.The bill, which received bipartisan support, will initially raise the minimum wage to $11 per hour on July 1, 2026, followed by annual increases of $2 until it reaches $15 in 2029. In addition to benefiting low-wage workers, the wage increase is expected to boost consumer spending and stimulate the economy.Governor Jennifer Carter, who championed the minimum wage increase, praised the legislature for its swift action in passing the bill. In a statement, she said, "This long-overdue raise will provide much-needed relief to working families across Virginia and help build a more equitable society for all."In other labor news, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry announced that it would be launching a new initiative to combat wage theft in the state. The initiative, which will be implemented through increased enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, aims to hold employers accountable for paying their workers fairly and accurately.According to a recent report by the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft costs Virginia workers an estimated $694 million annually, highlighting the need for stronger protections and enforcement measures. The Department of Labor and Industry's initiative is expected to crack down on employers who engage in practices such as unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, and misclassification of employees.Overall, these developments signal a promising future for Virginia workers as the state takes steps to improve labor standards and protect worker rights. With the minimum wage increase and new wage theft initiative, workers in Virginia can look forward to a more just and equitable workplace.