Democratic Party front runner in the mayoral race for New York, Andrew Cuomo, has pledged to raise the minimum wage in the Big Apple to atleast $20 per hour.
Cuomo posted on his socials today saying no one working full time should struggle to make ends meet.
“To meet the affordability crisis in NYC, we need to raise wages so hardworking families can afford to stay here.
“I plan to increase the minimum wage to $20 an hour because no one working full time should be struggling to make ends meet.
Several unions in one of America’s commercial hubs are endorsing Cuomo’s candidacy. They include Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union.
Cuomo said his proposal is “an aggressive, progressive action that will help hourly workers and stimulate the economy.”
His plan would need approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers, who raised the minimum wage to $16.50 in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island this year. Minimum wage in the rest of the state is now $15.50 and is expected to rise based on inflation.
Several communities in Washington state already have a minimum wage higher than $20 an hour. The minimum wage in Washington, D.C., is also one of the highest in the country, at $17.50 per hour, as compared to the federal minimum wage, which remains at $7.25.
Cuomo is calling for the new rate to start on Jan. 1, 2027, or one year into his first term if he is elected. It would raise wages for about 800,000 workers in New York City.
