State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera today announced he has convened a Wage Board as directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

“Earlier today, I charged the newly appointed Wage Board to recommend what changes, if any, should be made to the regulations for tipped workers in the hospitality industry,” said Commissioner Rivera. “I encourage industry stakeholders, employees and members of the public to submit testimony to be considered as part of the Wage Board’s deliberations.”

The Board will investigate what, if any, modifications should be made to the required cash wage rates and the allowable credits for tips, meals and lodging for food service workers and service employees in the hospitality industry. Members will develop recommendations in consideration of research reports as well as oral and written public testimony.

The Wage Board, made up of members representing labor, businesses and the public, will make a recommendation to the Commissioner by February 2015.

The Board will hold four public hearings, where testimony will be taken, and additional administrative meetings. All meetings are open to the public and will be archived on the Department of Labor’s website.

The public hearings schedule is as follows:
Syracuse: October 3, 2014.
New York City: October 20, 2014.
Buffalo: November 13, 2014.
Albany:December 9, 2014.

Those planning to attend a hearing are requested to preregister. Registrations will be accepted via Web (www.labor.ny.gov/wageboard2014), e-mail (wageboard@labor.ny.gov), phone (518-457-5519), fax (518-485-1126) and mail (address below). Priority in seating and speaking will be given to registrants. Seating and speaking order for those who have not preregistered will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as determined by the Board secretary and event staff.

Speakers are requested (but not required) to prepare their testimony in writing and to make 10 copies available at the hearing. Oral presentations will be limited to 10 minutes each.

All attendees must present photo ID prior to entering the hearing.

The hearing facilities meet the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities. Persons planning to attend the hearing who are in need of reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters, assistive listening devices, large-print or Braille materials, should note this when preregistering, as far in advance of the hearing as possible.

If translation services are needed, please indicate what language when preregistering, as far in advance of the hearing as possible.

Testimony Deadline

All testimony must be received by the Wage Board by December 15, 2014. All testimony given, oral or written, will be considered by the Wage Board. Written testimony is highly encouraged.

Written testimony may be emailed to wageboard@labor.ny.gov or mailed to:

New York State Department of Labor
ATTN: Wage Board
Bldg 12, Room 586
Harriman State Office Campus
Albany, NY 12240

For more information about the Wage Board, including meeting documents and webcasts, please visit: www.labor.ny.gov/wageboard2014.