New York board clears way on fast-food worker minimum wage hike to $15
NEW YORK -- Final approval of a plan to gradually raise the minimum wage of fast-food workers in New York to $15 an hour is expected any day, even as some lawmakers are questioning the process that led to the increase.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's labor commissioner is expected to approve the increase this week. Cuomo, and Vice President Joe Biden will talk about raising the minimum wage in Manhattan Thursday. The hike will be phased in over three years in New York City and over six years elsewhere in the state.
The increase was recommended by an unelected, three-member Wage Board created by Cuomo.
Restaurant owners and some lawmakers say the raise in unfair and say Cuomo, who supports the increase, should not have circumvented the Legislature. The Senate plans to hold a hearing into the process on Thursday.
The increase will affect some 200,000 workers.
