Tipped Workers Push for Standard Minimum Wage in NY

Restaurateurs and hoteliers plan to weigh in as a state board considers whether to mandate they pay tipped workers the standard minimum wage in New York.

The Wage Board is reviewing whether to eliminate the so-called tip wage of $5 an hour for food servers and $5.65 for hotel housekeepers.

New York law lets employers to pay them less than the state's $8 minimum wage, set to rise to $8.75 in January, provided tips make up the difference.

Hospitality industry groups say federal data show tipped workers average $11 an hour.

Workers say the law treats them as second-class employees and many earn less than the standard minimum.

After a Tuesday hearing, the board is set to meet Wednesday and begin considering recommendations to Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera.