By Dan Murphy
The minimum wage in New York State has increased, but the increase depends on what industry you work in and what region of the state you live in. As New York State gets closer to a minimum, minimum wage of $15 per hour across the board, in Westchester and Long Island, the minimum wage is now $14 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2021.
An analysis, required under NY state law that the Division of Budget review the economic impacts of minimum wage increases before any additional increase did not result in a temporary hold on any increases due to COVID. In Westchester, the unemployment rate reached a peak of 15.4% in April, but has decreased to 7.1% in October, according to data from the US Labor Department.
Some in the business community and local chambers of commerce had called on the increase to be delayed to help small businesses already suffering from the pandemic. Other studies have shown that the minimum wage increase has not had any detrimental affect on the local economy.
Minimum-wage workers, such as those employed in the retail, leisure and hospitality industries, have been severely affected by the pandemic, with thousands losing their jobs.
The minimum wage in New York City was increased to $15 per hour in 2019, and was increased to $12.50 in upstate NY. For those workers in the restaurant or hospitality industry who receive tips, their minimum wage was increased to $11.65 per hour in Westchester.
Workers in other industries that pay a minimum wage, like nail salons and car washes, must pay the regular minimum wage in their region.
Fast food workers in Westchester will now earn $14.50 per hour and will increase to $15 on July 1, 2021.
