Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that the public will have a chance to weigh in on proposed changes affecting tipped workers. Late last year, the governor announced the possibility of ending a separate wage for tipped workers and would require workers such as wait staff to be paid the standard minimum wage.

“These hearings will offer businesses a chance to voice concerns about the most recent proposal. I encourage all local businesses in my district to attend these hearings or write to the Department of Labor as a way to speak up about this critical issue,” said Assemblyman Barclay.

New York State law currently allows employers in all industries other than building services to satisfy the minimum wage by combining a wage paid by the employer with tips that the employee receives from customers. This public comment period seeks input on current policy and the proposed policy of increasing paid wages for tipped workers. Though the Department of Labor’s wage order would not eliminate the ability to collect tips, some have expressed concern that tips could be impacted as a result of this change.

For those interested in attending, preregistration is encouraged. One of these hearings will be held on Monday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at SUNY ESF at The Gateway Center. Another hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, Watertown. There will also be a hearing on Friday, May 18 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany at 10 a.m. Oral presentations will be limited to 3 minutes and written testimony must be sent to hearing@labor.ny.gov before July 1, 2018.

For a full list of the hearing schedule or to register to speak at an upcoming hearing, visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/subminimumwage.shtm