Minimum Wage to Increase for Upstate Workers at End of Year
New York State Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon has issued an order to increase the minimum wage for upstate workers by $1 to $14.20. However, before the order becomes final, it must go through a formal rulemaking process, including a public comment period. Feedback can be shared with DOL until Dec. 11th by emailing regulations@labor.ny.gov.
Under legislation enacted in 2016, the minimum wage for areas north of Westchester County will continue to increase incrementally until it matches the $15 already guaranteed to workers in New York City. As of last year, the proposed annual increase – based on an analysis of economic indices such as the Consumer Price Index – must be published by the Commissioner on or before Oct. 1st each year.
If approved, the proposed dollar increase to the upstate minimum wage would become effective Dec. 31, 2022. The increase would apply to all employers and would be distinct from the home care minimum wage increase recently implemented.
For more information on the current and historic minimum wage, as well as the proposed regulatory text, see DOL’s Minimum Wage Overview.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866