On Wednesday July 22, 2015, the New York Wage Board, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, approved a proposal for minimum wage to be increased for workers in the fast food industry in New York City to $15 per hour. The increase would occur over a period of three years in New York City, and over a period of six years for the rest of New York.
The first wage increase would occur by December 31, 2015, raising the minimum wage in New York City to $10.50. Minimum wage would then increase by $1.50 per year until it reaches $15 in 2018. In the rest of the state, the minimum wage would increase to $9.75 on December 31, and would continue to increase annually until it reaches $15 in July 1, 2021. Additionally, minimum wage for other workers is set to increase to $9 per hour on December 31, 2015.
The wage increase will apply to any fast food restaurant that has 30 or more locations. Fast food has been defined as “food and drinks served at counters where customers pay before eating and can take their food with them if they choose.” Popular fast food restaurant chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Wendy’s will be affected by this wage increase. The minimum wage increase is also expected to pressure other industries to raise the minimum wage for their workers.
The fast food industry is one of the largest employers of low paid workers statewide, with most of these workers making salaries as low as around $17,000 per year. The demand for an increase in pay for fast food workers largely stems from the claim that these restaurants have not kept up with the cost of living. Additionally, the fast food industry has been singled out because it employs more minimum wage workers than any other industry. Fast food workers are also highly likely to receive some type of public assistance.
In order to finalize this wage increase, it must be approved by Governor Cuomo’s labor commissioner, Mario Musolino. The wage increase does not need legislative approval.
The employment lawyers at Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP are strongly committed to protecting the rights of hard working employees. If you believe you have a potential claim regarding minimum wage, please call the employment lawyers at Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP at (212) 300-0375 or visit our website at www.fslawfirm.com.