Albany, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the dates and locations for the upcoming
public hearings to address the possibility of ending minimum wage tip credits in New York State, also known as the subminimum wage. This proposal would not eliminate tipping, only the subminimum wage. “New York continues to be a national leader in fighting for justice for working men and women, and by providing a platform for New Yorkers’ concerns to be heard, we are furthering our efforts to deliver fair wages for all,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am urging those impacted by this proposal to register, attend a hearing, and help us move this state one step closer toward a better, more just New York.”
Hearings will be presided over by State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon and will be focused on the scope of the problem, including the hardships created by tipping, reasons for and ramifications of eliminating the subminimum wage in impacted tipped occupations (i.e. car wash worker, beautician, waiter, bartender, dog groomer, tow truck driver, wedding planner, tour guide, etc.) and recommendations for the potential elimination timeline and complicating factors.
“Most consumers, and even many workers, don’t know that tipped employees in many occupations make only a subminimum wage and rely on tips to feed their families,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Tipped workers have a higher rate of poverty and face drastic wage fluctuations based on tips. I encourage anyone who would be impacted by these hearings to submit testimony to ensure we have a complete picture of how eliminating this subminimum wage could impact workers and businesses.”
If you plan to attend a hearing, you must preregister. Oral presentations may be strictly limited to 3 minutes each. Priority in seating and speaking will be given to those who preregister. Seating and speaking order, especially for those who have not preregistered, will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as determined by event staff. Speakers are asked to prepare their testimony in writing. Digital versions of testimony and comments are preferred and should be emailed to hearing@labor.ny.gov. Testimony should include your name, organization (if any) and contact information. It should also include a short statement at the top summarizing your position. Attendees may be required to present photo ID at some locations prior to entering the hearing. All hearings will be publicized in advance online: www.labor.ny.gov/subminimum. You may register: Online: www.labor.ny.gov/subminimum, Email: hearing@labor.ny.gov, Phone: 518-457-5519.
The hearings will be held at the following locations and times.
Monday, March 12, 2018 at 10 a.m.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
The Gateway Center, Syracuse
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Common Council Chamber
City Hall, Buffalo
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Roosevelt Little Theatre
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Dulles State Office Building
317 Washington Street, Watertown
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Legislative Office Building, Albany
Week of June 18
New York City, Location TBD
Note: This hearing is for non-hospitality industries only.
Week of June 25
New York City, Location TBD
Note: This hearing is for hospitality industries only.
