Entry-level workforce falls into hiring crosshairs as new minimum wage surpasses $16

Cashier Leanne Wilcox, right, rang up customers’ purchases at CA Lindell ACE Hardware in Canaan on Saturday. Store co-owner Bob Riva said the state’s hourly minimum wage hike to $16.35, which went into effect Jan. 1, is forcing him to more closely scrutinize prospective employees.
Debra A. Aleksinas