New York Approves $15 Minimum Wage For Big Food Franchises

A controversial decision to require large food franchises to pay workers a $15 minimum wage in New York State got final approval Thursday, after the State Labor Commissioner signed the order, according to CNN.

CNN
Protesters, including college students, fast-food restaurant employees and other workers, display placards as they march Tuesday, April 14, 2015, in Boston. Organizers of the event are calling for the nation's lowest paid workers to earn at least $15 per hour.
Protesters, including college students, fast-food restaurant employees and other workers, display placards as they march Tuesday, April 14, 2015, in Boston. Organizers of the event are calling for the nation's lowest paid workers to earn at least $15 per hour.

A controversial decision to require large food franchises to pay workers a $15 minimum wage in New York State got final approval Thursday, after the State Labor Commissioner signed the order, according to CNN. Capitalizing on the moment, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he would now push for New York to become the first state in the country to impose a statewide minimum of $15 an hour.

"Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will add fairness to our economy and bring dignity and respect to 2.2 million people, many of whom have been forced to live in poverty for too long," Cuomo told workers gathered at the Javits Center in New York City.

The governor was joined at the event by Vice President Joe Biden.

To date, only a handful of cities -- including Los Angeles and Seattle -- have approved a $15 local minimum, although others may follow suit in the next year.

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