BANGOR – Bangor’s City Council says the city’s minimum wage will go up whether voters pass a statewide referendum or not.

The council approved an amendment on Monday that will serve as a fallback if the referendum fails next year. WLBZ-TV reported that the amendment applies to all employees, including workers under the age of 18. The minimum wage will be raised locally if a statewide referendum to increase Maine’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020 fails.

Bangor’s minimum wage hike would begin in 2017.

The amendment passed 7-2. Councilor Gibran Graham says the amendment is a move to support the city’s workers. Council David Nealley says he opposes the amendment and believes it is tantamount to the city handing out pay raises.