NY Raising State Workers' Minimum Wage to $15 by 2021

Written by LANNING TALIAFERRO (Patch Staff)

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is raising the minimum wage for state workers to $15 an hour by 2021.

In 2016, minimum-wage state employees outside NYC would get an increase to $9.75, which works out to $390 a week for a 40-hour week.

This groundbreaking action Nov. 10 came as Cuomo is pushing to make New York the first state in the nation to implement a $15 minimum wage across all industries, and follows the $15 minimum wage increase for fast food workers approved by the Governor’s administration earlier this year.

“I believe that if you work hard and work full time, you should not be condemned to live in poverty. Yet millions of families nationwide continue to be left behind by an insufficient minimum wage – and it’s time that changed,” Cuomo said in a prepared statement. “Today in New York, we are leading by example and creating an economy that is defined by opportunity, not inequality. We are restoring the fairness and economic justice that built the American dream and standing up for what’s right. I am proud of what we continue to accomplish, because New Yorkers deserve nothing less.”

The increase, which was announced by the Governor at a rally for low-wage workers in New York City, will be implemented on the same phased-in schedule currently underway for fast food workers: the minimum wage outside New York City will go to $9.75 Dec. 31, and then climb incrementally until it hits $15 in 2021.

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About 10,000 state employees will be benefited by the action, including those in all executive agencies, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the independently elected agencies of the Department of Law and the Office of State Comptroller. Approximately 9,000 employees are outside of New York City, and 1,000 within New York City.

“I was proud to call for a wage board in April, and we have seen long overdue steps this year taken to provide thousands of workers in New York the livable wage they deserve,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “It is unconscionable that there are hardworking men and women of this state who work full time, yet still live in poverty. I applaud Governor Cuomo’s decision to give state workers the raise they deserve. Raising the minimum wage benefits all working families, and will help give every worker the fair shot they deserve. From combating wage theft to fighting for a higher minimum for all, my office will continue to be at the forefront of the effort to protect workers.”

This change will be reflected in the State’s Budget Policy and Reporting Manual, officials said. When fully phased in on July 1, 2021, this wage increase has an annual projected cost of roughly $20.6 million, including the anticipated effect of fringe benefits.

The Public Employees Federation commended Cuomo:

With this action, the governor is lifting thousands of low-wage workers. These workers are our brothers and sisters and what benefits them, ultimately benefits all of us. Better wages mean a stronger economy in New York, sustainable jobs, growing families and prospering communities. In an era of outsized executive compensation and a robust stock market, this is a basic step toward fairness in society. On this National Day of Action for $15, the governor has made New York state a leader in the fight for fair wages.

Photo credit: nygovcuomo on Instagram

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