Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Small Business Owners Grapple with Minimum Wage Hike

 
By Camille DeLongis

The owners of one of Binghamton's newest cafes opened their business to share a passion for quality, affordable coffee with a community they love.

"It's a beautiful community here in downtown Binghamton. There are a lot of new places popping up, and I love the culture, I really do," said Strange Brew Co-Owner Emiliya Bartashoff.

For Strange Brew, and other small businesses, being able to offer a good product for a reasonable price is becoming a bit of a challenge. Starting December 31, upstate's minimum wage will rise to $9.70 an hour. As for fast food workers, they'll be bringing home a dollar more, at $10.75 per hour. It's all part of the state's plan to gradually reach $15 an hour over the next several years.

"I've worked minimum wage jobs. I know that it's wonderful to get rewarded well for what you do, but at the same time, the cons will be ... for us to make up that difference, prices will have to go up, number one,” said Bartashoff. "Number two, there will be not just pressure on us as employers, but also on the employees themselves… more expectations."

Click here for the full article/video report. 

Source: Time Warner Cable News (via The Empire Report) 

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