New York plans $15 minimum wage at fast-food chains

New York

 New York was poised to raise the minimum wage to $15 in the fast-food sector, a key victory in a long-running workers campaign for liveable wages.

 A three-person panel appointed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state's current minimum wage of $8.75 an hour should be increased to $15, a raise of more than 71 per cent.

 Cuomo had indicated he would follow the panel's recommendation.

 "What a great, great day!" Cuomo, a Democrat, said at a news conference with the leaders of the $15 campaign.

 The wage increase will be phased in, starting with fast-food chain restaurants operating in New York City. They are due to meet the new minimum wage by 2018, while elsewhere in the state fast-food restaurants will have until 2021 to comply.

 The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, but states and municipalities can set their own. Some 29 states and Washington, DC, have minimum wages above the federal minimum.

 "We're getting $15 before every other state," said Eric Schneiderman, New York attorney general.

 "It's a victory you have all built," he said, thanking the labor leaders and Cuomo. "This is a victory for all men and women who work hard."