June 31, 2014
By Stephanie West
Albany, NY – Governor Cuomo has directed State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera to convene a Wage Board to review and recommend changes to regulations for food service workers and service employees in New York State.
“When the legislature enacted my proposal to increase the minimum wage, thousands of New Yorkers saw their economic prospects improve,” said Governor Cuomo. “Now, to build on that momentum I am directing Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera to call a Wage Board and hold public hearings to ensure fairness and determine if changes need to be made to the regulations that govern the rates paid to service workers.”
On December 31, 2013, the minimum wage for all workers increased from $7.25 per hour to $8.00 per hour. This was the first in a series of three annual changes approved under the budget agreement in 2013. The minimum wage will increase to $8.75 on December 31, 2014 and again to $9.00 on December 31, 2015.
Tipped workers are paid a required base rate. Their tips added to that base pay must equal or exceed the minimum wage. The Wage Board will meet to review regulations for food service workers and service employees and recommend changes if needed.
The Wage Board is made up of members representing labor, businesses and the public. This board will make a recommendation to the Commissioner, who will then announce a final determination by February 2015. Members of the Wage Board include Heather C. Briccetti, President and CEO of the Business Council; Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel Trade Council; and Timothy Grippen, Retired Broome County Executive.
