NY board to weigh rules for workers who get tips

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

New York plans to hold public hearings on regulations governing service workers who get tips and have base pay lower than the state’s hourly minimum wage.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed labor officials to convene a Wage Board to recommend changes in light of statutory increases in the minimum pay for other workers to $8 this year, $8.75 next year and $9 in 2015.

Tipped workers are paid a required base rate, currently $5 an hour for food service, assuming tips equal at least $3 an hour.

The board includes Heather Briccetti of the state Business Council, Peter Ward of the Hotel Trades Council and Timothy Grippen, retired Broome County executive.

After board recommendations, Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera is expected to issue a final decision by February.