NYS Acting Labor Commissioner Approves Phased Increase in Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers
The New York State Acting Commissioner of Labor has accepted the recommendations of the Fast Food Wage Board to raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to $15 per hour by the end of 2018 in New York City and by the end of 2021 in the rest of the State. Under the Acting Commissioner's wage order, issued on Sept. 10th, the minimum wage for fast food workers will increase according to the following schedules:
New York City
- Dec. 31, 2015: $10.50
- Dec. 31, 2016: $12.00
- Dec. 31, 2017: $13.50
- Dec. 31, 2018: $15.00
Rest of State
- Dec. 31, 2015: $9.75
- Dec. 31, 2016: $10.75
- Dec. 31, 2017: $11.75
- Dec. 31, 2018: $12.75
- Dec. 31, 2019: $13.75
- Dec. 31, 2020: $14.50
- Dec. 31, 2021: $15.00
The increase will apply to “fast food establishments,” operated as a franchise or as an integrated entity, that own or operate at least 30 establishments nationally.
Building on the fast food wage order, the Governor last week launched the "Mario Cuomo Campaign for Economic Justice" to increase the minimum wage to $15 statewide across all industries. Joined by legislators, State and New York City officials, and labor leaders, he announced that he would seek the enactment of legislation in the upcoming legislative session to achieve that goal.
In comments on the Fast Food Wage Board's recommendations, LeadingAge New York highlighted the challenges faced by long term care providers in raising wages, due to their heavy reliance on Medicare and Medicaid funding. We will continue to work with the Executive Branch and the Legislature to align wage policies with long term care reimbursement policies.
Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383, ext. 124.