January Wage Increases
During certain years, employers must deal with wage increases for employees. From minimum wages and service worker wages to those working on salaries, New York laws affect these increases.
Minimum Wage Increase for 2023
As of December 31, 2022, New York minimum wage increases went into effect. They will continue to increase until the statewide minimum reaches $15.00 per hour. However, some areas have already attained this threshold. New York City, Long Island and Westchester County have reached the $15.00 level. The New York Commissioner of Labor released an order on September 30, 2022 that raised the minimum wage for the rest of the state from $13.20 to $14.20 per hour.
Wage Increases for Service Workers
Service workers refers to employees who work in the hospitality industry. An employer can reduce the minimum wage for workers if they earn tips. This reduction is based on a tip credit. The New York Commissioner publishes rates for tip credits and for the minimum cash wages tipped employees receive.
As of December 31,2002, employers of tipped food service workers, who are working outside of New York City, Westchester and Long Island will increase the cash wage to $9.45 per hour and the hourly tips credit to $4.75. Tipped service workers (workers receiving tips but who are not engaged in food service) working outside of New York City, Westchester and Long Island will receive an hourly cash wage increase to $11.85 per hour and an hourly tip credit increase to $2.35 per hour.
Salaried Workers Wage Threshold
New York law allows employers to exempt salaried workers from overtime pay based on various requirements. Salary is the basis for one requirement. However, there is an established threshold the weekly salary must meet for the exemption to apply to an employee. As of December 31, 2022, an increase in the salary threshold went into effect. The previous year’s threshold was $990.00 per week, and the threshold increased to $1,064,25 per week.
(Reference: National Law Review https://www.natlawreview.com/article/new-year-new-rules-employers-doing-business-new-york-2023)
As an employer, do you need legal assistance to deal with issues regarding wages?
If you’re a company owner and have questions or concerns about wages or other employment matters occurring in your workplace, you should consult with an experienced employment law defense attorney. Whenever possible, it is wise to do so before legal issues arise. Call (718) 275-6500 to arrange an appointment with Stephen D. Hans & Associates, P.C.