News

IFA warns Cuomo NYC wage increase is discriminatory

The International Franchise Association President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, issued the below statement as part of an effort to warn New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that any increase in a city's minimum wage should be applied uniformly to all types of businesses.

May 18, 2015

The International Franchise Association President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, issued the below statement as part of an effort to warn New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that any increase in a city's minimum wage should be applied uniformly to all types of businesses.

"New York State can raise its minimum wage if it wants to. But it should not pick off one industry at a time. Doing so would echo the ill-conceived action of the City of Seattle, which is being sued because it designed an unconstitutional minimum wage that rises faster for franchise businesses than other types of businesses.

"Governor Cuomo should do the right thing and consider a uniform wage increase for all businesses similar to that of Mayor Emanuel in Chicago, who heeded franchisees appropriate concerns with discriminatory treatment. Small business restaurant franchisees face the same challenges as all other small businesses.

"Mayor Emanuel was applauded because he listened to the concerns of his city's small business franchisees. He rejected the politically-motivated, labor-backed actions of Seattle. Gov. Cuomo should do the same."