NY Board to Hold Discussion on Raise for Fast Food Workers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state board considering a minimum wage increase for New York's fast-food workers is scheduled to discuss and consider its recommendation.

Before the wage board meets Monday in Albany, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to rally workers outside.

Many workers have urged $15 an hour at board hearings where business owners and labor experts also testified.

Some business interests have grumbled that the decision is a foregone conclusion by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ordered the review in May.

Acting state Labor Commissioner Mario Musolino wrote then that data show 60 percent of fast food workers in New York are in families getting public assistance and wages for many are "insufficient to provide adequate maintenance and protect their health."

New York's minimum wage is $8.75 and set to rise to $9 at year's end.

(Story by: The Associated Press)