Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Changes to New York’s Minimum Wage Now Effective

© 2014 TANNENBAUM HELPERN SYRACUSE & HIRSCHTRITT LLP | 900 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10022 | 212.508.6700 | WWW.THSH.COM

Follow us on Twitter: @THSHLAW for the firm or @THSH_Employment for the Employment Law Department.

This article is not legal advice and may constitute attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Employment Notes January 2014

In accordance with legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo in April 2013, New York’s minimum wage (formerly $7.25 per hour) increased to $8.00 per hour as of December 31, 2013. As a result, the effective minimum overtime rate has jumped to $12.00 per hour. These changes are the first of three staged increases in the State minimum wage, with the rates rising to $8.75 and $9.00 on December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The increase in the State’s minimum wage has additional implications for employers. For instance, companies that classify employees as exempt executive or administrative employees must be sure to raise such employees’ minimum weekly salary from $543.75 to $600.00 as of

December 31.

In a rare reprieve for employers in the hospitality industry, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) has issued proposed regulations providing that food service workers (such as waiters, bartenders, and other employees primarily engaged in serving food or beverages to guests) may continue to receive a minimum direct wage of $5.00, meaning that an employer tip credit of $3.00 (up from $2.25) will now be permitted, so long as the tips actually received by the employee bring his or her total hourly compensation to at least $8.00. For other service employees regularly receiving tips, such as coat and bathroom attendants, the minimum direct wage will remain at $5.65, resulting in an increased permitted tip credit of $2.35 per hour (up from $1.60).

Subject to the DOL’s guidance and implementation requirements, numerous other New York regulations will be affected by the minimum wage increases, including rules relating to employee uniform maintenance pay, meal and lodging allowances, and the building services industry. In light of these changes (and similar 2014 minimum wage increases in other states, such as California, New Jersey, and Connecticut) employers should take the opportunity to review their wage and hour practices and consider whether any payroll adjustments will be required.

For more information on the topic discussed, contact:

Joel A Klarreich

212-508-6747

JAK@thsh.com : @staffing_lawyer

Andrew W. Singer

212-508-6723

singer@thsh.com : @employer_lawyer

Stacey A. Usiak

212-702-3158

usiak@thsh.com : @law4employers

Jason B. Klimpl

212-508-7529

klimpl@thsh.com : @HR_Attorney

Employment Notes, a newsletter produced by Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP’s Employment Law Department, provides insights on recent employment caselaw, legislation and other legal developments impacting employer policies, human resource strategies and related best practices. To subscribe to the newsletter, email marketing@thsh.com.

About Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

Since 1978, Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP has combined a powerful mix of insight, creativity, industry knowledge, senior talent and transaction expertise to successfully guide clients through periods of challenge and opportunity. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality legal services in a practical and efficient manner, bringing to bear the judgment, common sense and expertise of well trained, business minded lawyers. Through our commitment to service and successful results, Tannenbaum Helpern continues to earn the loyalty of our clients and a reputation for excellence. For more information, visit www.thsh.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter: @THSHLAW.

No comments:

Post a Comment