July 22, 2015

New York Wage Board Recommends $15 Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers

by Salvatore Gangemi of Murtha Cullina LLP

The New York Wage Board has voted in favor of a $15 minimum wage for fast food workers, which will be phased in over the next few years. The Board’s recommendation will now be submitted to the Commissioner of Labor, who can accept, reject or modify the Wage Board’s recommendations. In the meantime, there is a 15 day comment period during which interested parties can comment on the the Wage Board’s proposal. The proposed minimum wage increase for fast food workers is as follows:

For New York City

$10.50 on December 31, 2015
$12.00 on December 31, 2016
$13.50 on December 31, 2017
$15.00 on December 31, 2018

For the rest of New York State

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

Salvatore G. Gangemi

Salvatore G. Gangemi is a Partner in the Litigation Department of Murtha Cullina and a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Sal advises clients with respect to state, federal and local employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and New York State and City employment laws. Sal counsels clients on day-to-day issues involving workplace management and administration, including requests for reasonable accommodation for disabilities, for family and medical leave, and wage and hour issues. Sal frequently lectures on employment law matters, and at continuing legal education seminars. He has written extensively on employment law issues as well as other legal issues affecting individuals and businesses.