New York becomes first state to order $15 minimum wage for food service employees

New York is set to become the first state to offer a $15 minimum wage for fast-food employees, after almost three years of protests requesting higher wages in the food-service industry. Gov. Andrew Cuomo called an executive order to pass the initiative after the state Senate continued to drag its feet on raising pay. The change will affect all fast-food workers that are employed by restaurant chains with 30 or more locations or franchises in the nation. All that is left is to have the increase approved by the New York Labor Commissioner. Five cities in other states — including Los Angeles and Seattle — have also approved $15-per-hour wages across all industries, though none of these initiatives have expanded to the state level. While fast-food employees are doubtless thrilled with their big win, others have expressed some concern, both about the segmentation of the wage policy only for fast-food workers, as well as the economic effects the wage hike will have on the employers and the state. Others think the minimum wage increase should have affected all employees regardless of industry. However, those concerned about the effect on employers can have a little peace of mind by looking at wage hikes in other cities around the country. Pay increases and Seattle and San Francisco in recent years have caused some franchise owners to raise their food prices, though some say they have seen no effect on their businesses because of it. The wage increase is set to be rolled out in phases, with New York City employees receiving $15 per hour by the end of 2018, and throughout the rest of the state by 2021. The state Labor Commissioner is expected to approve the plan.]]>