The debate behind whether fast food workers should have their wage increased has been brewing. New York City is home to a variety of fast food restaurants that contain many workers. These workers currently are paid $8.75 per hour and have been supporting the new increase to $15 an hour.  

        The raise has been set to take place over the next three years in New York City. Workers should expect to be paid $15 an hour by the end of 2018. In other places throughout the state, the raise will span out over six years ending on July 1st, 2021.

        However, the argument of everyone works hard for their checks still stands. Some people believe that the fast food industry shouldn’t be paid more because there are some jobs that require the same amount of effort or even more, such as retail jobs.

        When asked about how she would feel if she worked in retail and was only paid $8.75/ hour, Marissa Seecoomar said, “I would feel like that’s a rip off because they are both start off jobs.”

        This wage increase may also provide a new choice to many high school students looking for a job. They may be intrigued by the raise, even if it’s just a little increase over the next year.

       However Ronald Singh believes, “There won’t be any jobs for them [students looking for a part time job] because now that wages went up, these fast food companies will most likely cut down on employees.”

        “Something that won’t annoy big fast food chains and will have more jobs open, like $10 maybe a little higher,” said Ronald Singh when asked what the wage should be.

       The raise will be a triumph for workers struggling to make enough money to survive, hopefully other workers making minimum wage will soon get their desired increase as well.