New York lawmakers have reached a budget agreement that will increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, making it the second US state to to do so this week.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the agreement reached by state legislators as part of the 2016-2017 budget, which includes the gradual, “calibrated” wage increase, meaning the wage will rise in different regions over time.
New York City will see a wage increase from the state’s current minimum, $9 hourly, to $15 in three years; four years for small businesses.
Wealthier suburbs like Long Island and Westchester County would rise to $15 in six years.
Wages would climb more gradually in the rest of New York, reaching $12.50 hourly in six years, increasing to $15 at a rate yet to be determined by the state based on the economic needs of the different regions.
“This minimum wage increase will be of national significance,” Mr Cuomo said Thursday night. “It’s raising the minimum wage in a way that’s responsible.”
New York follows California, which announced a “good faith” agreement between politicians and labour unions to raise its minimum wage from $10 to $15 per hour.
Democratic governor Jerry Brown is expected to sign the bill on Monday in Los Angeles.
The wage increases follow years of protest from the "Fight for $15" activists — a movement which began in late 2012 when New York City fast food workers began demanding higher pay.
New York’s move to increase the minimum wage is expected to affect some two million workers in the state.
