New York governor aims to implement $15 minimum wage

New York governor aims to implement $15 minimum wage

State employees in New York to be paid $15 minimum wage by 2021, pending executive action.

Plans are in place from New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to create a $15 minimum wage for all state workers. The move would make New York the first state to set the minimum that high, for such a large group of workers.

The New York Times reports that Cuomo will announce the plan Tuesday. The increase would put New York in the forefront of the conversation on increased wages, for workers nationwide.

Cuomo, using executive authority, would increase the wages gradually. It would begin with New York City state workers earning $15 per hour by the end of 2018. Outside of the city, wages will increase at a slower rate, reaching $15 per hour by 2021. Over 10,000 workers would ultimately see a wage increase, most of which live outside the city.

The announcement comes on the same day where fast food workers nationwide are striking in support of a $15 minimum wage. Cuomo has shown his support for the movement in the past. However, Cuomo’s plan is the first that would increase wages for that many people employed through the state.

The increase would affect jobs such as lifeguards,custodians, and office assistants. An anonymous administration official said that the announcement has not been formally made, as the decision is pending approval from the Civil Service Employees Association and New York State Public Employees Federation.

The decision will likely draw more attention to other legislation in regards to minimum wage, as a new legislative session begins in January.

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