NYS minimum wage for fast food workers goes to $15 an hour statewide this week

ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) — Starting Thursday, the minimum wage for fast food workers in New York State will increase to $15 an hour.

While the fast food minimum wage is already $15 an hour in New York City, it’s been $14.50 in the rest of the state as of late December. The gradual increases were enacted by the Department of Labor under Governor Cuomo and began in 2015.

“It’s so important to mark this moment when yes, some workers are going to $15, but the majority of workers are leaving this industry or have already left because wages are just not enough, especially for tipped workers who were not included in that increase,” said One Fair Wage president Saru Jayaraman.

While some say unemployment benefits are the cause of a staff shortage in the foodservice industry, Jayaraman says many are ineligible, and have moved on to other things. She notes that many restaurants aren’t reopening because they can’t find employees. “We really only have two choices: raise wages or expect half the industry, half the Sunday brunches, half the Friday night dinners, half the great experience we had prior to the pandemic,” she said.

Meanwhile, Republican Councilman Chris Tague says that while he doesn’t begrudge anyone for wanting better wages, businesses have also struggled during the pandemic, and raising the minimum wage for fast food in the regions of the state will make it difficult for some to get on their feet. to stay. “During this COVID crisis, we had a processing issue across the country and you can see that when you go to the grocery store or go to a restaurant, the price for different foods has increased dramatically,” Tague said.

He also noted that some fast food chains are using apps and technology to replace employees.

The minimum wage for fast food change securities establishments with 30 or more locations, including many individually owned franchises.