New York minimum wage levels are increasing, but the amount of money you can make is limited to what is offered by some companies. For example, many workers in the fast food industry make less than minimum wage. But this is changing slowly and you can still earn a decent amount in this field. Here’s what the new minimum wage rate is for employers in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. You’ll be surprised to know that college students are not eligible for a subminimum wage rate.
Upstate New York minimum wage
The Upstate New York minimum wage will increase from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour in 2022, and it is expected to rise at a steady rate. This wage increase will affect many workers in service-related jobs, such as retail and restaurant workers. The Upstate Division of Labor Standards, which oversees compliance with the minimum wage law, receives thousands of complaints every year, including complaints about child labor and meal period infractions. Employers should make any necessary changes to their employment practices to ensure compliance with the law.
Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties pay minimum wage
The New York State minimum wage was established in 1960 and has been gradually increasing since, with increases accelerating in the mid-late 1970s. Since the national minimum wage was established in 1938, New York has kept its rates relatively high – although some argue that it is too low compared to the cost of living. It also applies to tipped workers. However, few states match the federal minimum wage.
Fast food industry pays minimum wage
The fast-food industry has been one of the largest employers of low-wage workers in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo convened a board to study the industry’s pay practices and recommend an increase to workers. Similar wage boards have been convened for hotel workers, construction workers, and other industries. When news of the new board reached the public, low-wage workers rallied outside of the NY Department of Health building in Manhattan.
College students are not eligible for subminimum wage rate
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers cannot pay college students less than the minimum wage rate. In New York, college students must be exempt from the subminimum wage rate. To qualify for this rate, the student must be in an educational program that is recognized by the state. The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which requires nonprofit agencies to certify that they do not pay subminimum wage rates.
Impact of minimum wage increase on people of color
In late November 2012, fast food workers across New York City staged a walkout to protest low wages and the difficulties of organizing unions in the sector. This was one of the largest worker movements in the 21st century, spurred on by a call for a $15 minimum wage and echoed throughout the labor movement. But it’s not over yet. More than two years have passed since the strike, and the minimum wage remains stagnant.
