SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) Hazard pay for workers in Portland will not be going into effect next month.

Last week, voters approved a gradual minimum wage increase that begins in 2022, along with time and a half for work performed during a declared emergency, like the pandemic.

It was widely reported that the hazard pay would go into effect in December, but the city says the language in the ordinance indicates hazard pay won’t kick in until Jan. 2022.

The proposal was backed by People First Portland, which says it will continue to tell workers they’ll collect hazard pay next month.

According to the Portland Press Herald, a volunteer from the group warned that employers who follow the city’s advice might be forced to pay back wages.