Governor Cuomo, frustrated from facing resistance and delays from the legislature in his attempts to raise the minimum wage rate once more, is resolute on making an increase a reality. This Thursday, the Governor will use his authority to direct the labor commissioner to convene a Wage Board and examine the current minimum wage in the fast-food industry. The board is expected to give its recommendations as to what it believes the minimum wage rate in this industry should be in about three months time. Recommendations, which achieved in this manner, would not require legislative approval to go into effect.
Cuomo, who has been a firm believer in raising the minimum wage rates at a slow and steady pace, has been credited to raising the minimum wage back in 2013 and in his recent rejected proposal to lawmakers, budgeted a minimum wage increase to $11.50 in New York City and $10.50 to the rest of the state. Cuomo argued that minimum wages have not kept in line with the rocketing cost of living, especially in New York City. Another important piece of information offered up by Cuomo is the common misconception that fast food workers are primarily teenagers working for extra spending money. Data was presented, with figures indicating that more than two-thirds of fast food workers are the primary providers in their family and 26 percent are raising a child. The Governor strongly believes that raising the minimum wage will dramatically improve the quality of life for many hard working families. At the current rate of $8.75 per hour it is virtually impossible to survive in New York.
Additionally, it was noted in the Governor’s Op-Ed piece that it is twice as likely that fast food workers and their families are on some sort of government assistance. It is suggested by Cuomo, that if the annual income of these workers increased as a result of a minimum wage hike then we will have less individuals receiving public assistance and could possibly save a staggering $700 million cost to taxpayers.
Fitapelli & Schaffer eagerly awaits and looks forward to possible proposed changes, and sees any provision which increases the minimum wage rate as a boom to the working class. Therefore, we plan to closely follow the findings and recommendations of this Wage Panel and plan to provide up-to-date information on it through our employment blog. If you have any questions about being paid properly, please do not hesitate to contact us at (212) 300-0375 or visit our website at www.fslawfirm.com.