Higher minimum wage starts today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 December 2019 at 8:45 am

Hourly rate increases from $11.10 to $11.80 in Orleans County

A higher minimum wage takes effect today, with the minimum hourly rate increasing from $11.10 to $11.80 in Orleans County and for most of upstate. A year from now, it will go to $12.50 an hour in Orleans and most of upstate. In New York City, the wage goes to $15 an hour, starting today.

“With this monumental increase in the minimum wage, New York is continuing to lead the way to restoring economic justice for working families,” Governor Cuomo said in a news release. “In 2016 we set an example for the rest of the nation to follow by raising the minimum wage to $15, and this year we are continuing to move forward with this successful plan that is bringing real change for New York’s families and paying dividends across the entire state.”

The New York State Department of Labor has established a hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) where minimum wage workers can call to report any employers who do not comply with the phase-in schedule.

In Orleans County, the minimum wage has increased from $9.70 an hour on Dec. 31, 2016 to $10.40 on Dec. 31, 2017, to $11.10 on Dec. 31, 2018 to $11.80 today. It makes another jump to $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020.

The $15 minimum wage legislation (for New York City) was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget.

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