On February 24, 2015, New York’s acting Commissioner of Labor signed an Order that combined all tipped workers in the hospitality industry into one class and increased their minimum wage to $7.50 per hour. The increase goes into effect on December 31, 2015. New York state’s minimum wage for all other employees is currently $8.75, and is scheduled to increase to $9.00 on December 31, 2015.

Employers should review their compensation policies in light of this Order.