Minimum wage set to go up to $10 on LI

Minimum wage will increase at the end of the month as part of the state's next round of minimum wage hikes. As part of a law that will increase the rate to $15 an hour over the next five years, minimum

News 12 Staff

Dec 29, 2016, 4:11 AM

Updated 2,837 days ago

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Minimum wage will increase at the end of the month as part of the state's next round of minimum wage hikes.
As part of a law that will increase the rate to $15 an hour over the next five years, minimum wage will become $10 an hour across Long Island at the end of the year.
Some business owners tell News 12 that they are worried the increase could lead to an increased cost of goods and services or the automation of unskilled jobs.
"It's going to turn to kiosks, where you just walk in and you know everything's going to be on an iPad," says Sal Fischetti, of Phil's Two Pizza in Massapequa. "Or pies are going to be $25."
Butch Yamali, who runs a large food business that hires temporary summer workers, says a separate student wage should have been established for people who want to get work experience but don't necessarily need to support themselves.
"There should be some type of a waiver or something for students or starting people, so they can have an opportunity to work," Yamali argues.
But workers making minimum wage say the hike directly benefits them.
"It affects me positively, especially with me working three jobs," says Nathaly Argueta, a supermarket worker. "It helps me with my 9-year-old daughter. In the economy now, it's really expensive."