Minimum Wage Increase in New York State Takes Effect Today

 

The minimum wage increase in New York State takes effect today, rising to $15 for large employers in New York City and continuing to rise all across the state. The Governor also reminded workers to contact the Wage Theft Hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) to report employers not complying with the increase. In coordination with the increase, last week the New York State Department of Labor launched a public education campaign to raise awareness about the new minimum wage. 

"New York State is leading the way fighting for economic justice and making a real difference in the daily lives of New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "We will always stand with the working women and men of New York, and with this historic minimum wage increase we have taken another step forward in the fight for the dignity and respect of hardworking families."

The launch of the public education campaign includes TV, radio, and subway ads, as well as online video. The campaign reminds New Yorkers that all minimum wage workers across the state will receive a raise today, and educates them about the steps they should take if they do not receive their raises. The video airing on television is available here, and video for digital platforms is available here.

 $15 Minimum Wage Phase-in

The $15 minimum wage legislation was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget, and marked a major accomplishment in the Governor's efforts to restore economic justice and fairness to working families in New York State. The phase-in schedule on a regional basis is as follows:

For workers in New York City employed by large businesses (those with at least 11 employees), the minimum wage rose to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after, reaching $15 today, December 31, 2018.

For workers in New York City employed by small businesses (those with 10 employees or fewer), the minimum wage rose to $10.50 at the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after, reaching $13.50 today, December 31, 2018, rising to $15 on 12/31/2019.

For workers in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties, the minimum wage increased to $10 at the end of 2016, then $1 each year after, reaching $12 today, December 31, 2018, rising to $15 on 12/31/2021.

For workers in the rest of the state, the minimum wage increased to $9.70 at the end of 2016, then another $0.70 each year after, rising to $11.10 today, December 31, 2018, reaching $12.50 on 12/31/2020 - after which the minimum wage will continue to increase to $15 on an indexed schedule to be set by the Director of the Division of Budget in consultation with the Department of Labor.

Click here for additional information. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo