NY State Wage Board Backs Fast-Food Workers’ Bid for $15 an Hour

The NY State Wage Board backed a proposal that could hike New York fast food workers salaries to $15 an hour. The Daily Freeman says that the proposal would set a $15 minimum wage for workers at fast-food restaurants with 30 or more locations. The panel was appointed by Gov. Cuomo.

The $15 wage would represent a raise of more than 70 percent for workers earning NY state’s current minimum wage of $8.75 an hour. The increase would take place over three years in New York City and over six years elsewhere across the state. Fast food employees have been fighting across the country for raises, claiming the increase would allow them with the ever increasing cost of living. Some restaurant owners have rejected the idea however, saying it will lead to higher prices and fewer jobs overall.

The decision comes after similar increases in minimum wages in other cities, such as Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.