New York board backing raise for fast-food workers

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-board-backing-raise-for-fast-food-workers/


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ALBANY, N.Y. - The three members of a state board considering minimum wage increases for New York's fast-food workers said Monday the hourly rate should rise, though they planned further discussions before making a firm recommendation.

New York's minimum wage is $8.75 and set to rise to $9 at year's end. Attempts failed this year to raise it further for all workers through legislation, including a proposal to let New York City or other municipalities set their own.

Meeting Monday in Albany, the wage board has heard dozens of workers say they struggle to pay ordinary living expenses such as rent, utilities and transportation at the current minimum wage, often with fluctuating and part-time work schedules.

"Clearly this board believes there needs to be a substantial increase in the hourly wage of fast-food workers," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, board chairman and public representative.
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