New York state will gradually raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour — the first time any state has set the minimum that high.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration formally approved the proposal Thursday. And the Democratic governor, who spoke alongside Vice President Joe Biden, says he believes that wage should be extended to all workers.
Fast-food workers say the current $8.75 wage forces many into poverty.
The minimum wage hike for them will be phased in over three years in New York City and over six years elsewhere in the state. It will apply to some 200,000 workers at large chain restaurants.
A group of restaurant owners is considering a legal challenge to the increase.
Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
