Buffalo, Rochester to give city workers $15 minimum wage

“I have strongly supported the “Fight for $15″ movement and, to be consistent, I believe I can not advocate for one thing in the private sector without applying that same standard at City Hall”, Warren said. The wage will reach $15 by 2021.

He is expected to make an announcement relating to the $15 an hour minimum wage.

Cuomo’s piecemeal method of raising wages will have a ripple effect as the state enters into negotiations with unions representing other state workers. It’s likely those workers will want a pay raise, too.

Cuomo joined Mayor Warren at a wage rally in announcing the city will raise the minimum wage for public sector workers.

The minimum wage in NY is now $8.75, and it will rise to $9 in 2016. “Raising the minimum wage is about fairness and justice”. The workers say they’re not simply high school students looking for gas money, and lawmakers agreed. Cuomo said over 70 percent of those making minimum wage are over 25-years-old. No one who works full time should live in poverty, and taxpayers ultimately subsidize low wages in the form of social service benefits, he said.