NY Wage Board Votes to Raise Fast Food Minimum Wage

The New York State Fast Food Wage Board voted unanimously this afternoon to raise the wage to $15 for employees of fast food chains.

The wage hike would be phased in, to take effect in New York City by Dec. 31, 2018 and by July 1, 2021 for the rest of the state.

That means that on Long Island, the minimum wage would be increased:

• $9.75 on Dec. 31, 2015,
• $10.75 on Dec. 31, 2016,
• $11.75 on Dec. 31, 2017,
• $12.75 on Dec.31, 2018,
• $13.75 on Dec. 31, 2019,
• $14.50 on Dec. 31, 2020,
• $15.00 on July 1, 2021.

The board defines the term ‘fast food chain’ to include fast food establishments that are part of chains that have 30 or more locations nationally.

State Assemb. Kimberly Jean-Pierre, D- Babylon, called the the state board’s recommendation a positive start in ensuring all workers are paid a living wage. 

“This increase would provide much-needed relief to families across New York State who are working full time, yet remain in poverty,” Jean-Pierre said. 

The full text of the motions are available at: www.labor.ny.gov/fastfoodwageboard.

The state Labor Department explains the next steps:

According to statute, the Wage Board must now finalize and submit a report to Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino. The Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, July 27, to approve its report. The details of this meeting will be announced soon.

The Board’s Report and Recommendations will then be published and followed by a 15-day public comment period. Comments will be accepted online and by mail.

Based on those comments, the commissioner may accept, reject or modify the board’s recommendations and file a wage order. The wage order must be filed within 45 days once the report is filed. The order is then subject to an additional regulatory process.

PHOTO: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Twitter