July 17, 2015

Mayor Byron Brown

201 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202
Dear Mayor Brown,
As the lone Upstate member of the states Fast Food Wage Board, we know that you have an acute understanding
of the differences between the economies and cost of living between Upstate and downstate New York. Cost
drivers such as housing, utilities, transportation and health care are far less in Buffalo than in Brooklyn. Prior to
finalizing your report and recommendations to the Acting Commissioner of Labor, our organization strongly
encourages you to consider the detrimental impacts that a $15 minimum wage will have on Upstate fast food
businesses and many of their current employees.
First and foremost, Unshackle Upstate firmly believes that decisions regarding wage increases in New York State
should be achieved through the legislative process, by the elected officials that we, the citizens of New York have
chosen to represent us. A three-member panel should not have sole discretion over policies as impactful as setting
minimum wages. We are deeply concerned that state government will continue to use Wage Boards to circumvent
the legislative process, targeting additional industry sectors in an ad-hoc basis for future wage increases.
Moreover, just two years ago, New York State approved a graduated increase in the states minimum wage that
would bring it to $9 per hour by the end of 2015. This incremental increase was designed to allow for small
businesses to appropriately prepare for changes to their payroll. Unshackle Upstate continues to reject any effort to
change the minimum wage law prior to the full implementation of the current law.
Mandating another wage increase, on top of the current statewide increase to $9, will put fast food workers at risk
of reduced hours or the loss of their jobs. This is especially true for young, low-skilled workers who are already
struggling to find employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the statewide
unemployment rate for youths age 16-19 is approximately 28 percent. That number will likely rise if fast food
employers are forced to reduce hours and staff due to rising labor costs.
And while the statewide unemployment rate has declined, recently published data by the Department of Labor
shows that Upstate regions including Binghamton and Watertown have experience significant job losses in the past
year. Nine Upstate counties outside of metropolitan areas have also lost jobs. Any action that would harm
employment opportunities in these and other areas of the state is simply unacceptable.
An increase in the minimum wage will also have a ripple effect on other workers who are earning wages near the
minimum wage threshold. Businesses that also employ low-wage workers will have to increase wages in order to
compete for competent employees. Any actions taken by the Fast Food Wage Board will impact employers far
beyond the fast food industry.
Rather than impose wage mandates on specific industries which is a deeply flawed approach that should not be
repeated better options exist. The first and best option would be for the state to reduce taxes and regulations. A

second option is for the state to provide additional support for workforce development efforts. Many businesses
have middle-skills jobs available, but are not able to find capable workers. The state can help these employers while
also helping low-skill employees improve their jobs skills. This approach will ultimately create more opportunities
for workers in search of a better job and long-lasting prosperity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Greg Biryla, Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate

150 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
585-256-4610