Today NFIB/NY, with the National Restaurant Association, New York State Restaurant Association, International Franchise Association, Unshackle Upstate and the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association, announced the Save New York Restaurants Coalition in response to Governor Cuomo’s most recent appointment of a Wage Board tasked with examining and recommending adequate wages for limited service or fast-food workers. Advocates are pushing for a $15.00/hr. minimum wage.
The coalition is critical of Governor Cuomo’s self-appointed commission with no representation from the small business community or restaurant industry. NFIB/NY State Director Mike Durant explained, “This entire effort undermines any of the half-hearted attempts by this
administration to help small employers. From the governor’s complete disregard
of the legislative process to the failure to recognize that many ‘fast food’
restaurants are, in fact , independent small businesses, the message is seemingly
clear how this will play out. The preordained outcome by this wage board will
increase the minimum wage and ultimately will stifle job creation while
shuttering small businesses all across New York.”
A recent Employment Policies Institute study highlighted that increasing the minimum wage will have a negative impact on jobs and the restaurant industry. The study found that 70% of restaurants are “very likely” to raise prices, while 48% of restaurants are planning to reduce hours or cut staff, and 20% of restaurants anticipate closing if the wage is raised to $15.00/hr.
Click below to send an email to the Wage Board opposing a $15.00 minimum wage
