Catherwood LibraryILR School

When NYC raised its minimum wage to $15 in 2018, it was a leader in the labor movement's effort to improve living standards for low-wage workers. However, its inaction to raise the minimum wage over the last four years has caused the city to fall behind compared to other large US cities, and many low-wage workers in NYC have expressed the high stress associated with making ends meet amidst increasing costs of living. High inflation recently has placed a significant strain on workers, and the minimum wage in NYC has not kept pace with these economic pressures. Conversely, in other cities like Washington D.C. and LA, the minimum wages have been adjusted to meet rising prices.