NEW YORK STATE — Fast-food workers who have been pushing for a $15-per-hour wage in the industry celebrated after the Fast Food Wage Board on July 22 issued their recommendation that minimum wage be boosted to that level. But the proposed increase, if it comes—and most analysts believe it will—won’t happen right away.

The recommendations made by the board to acting state labor commissioner Mario J. Musolino, which were finalized on July 27, proposed a phased-in increase. The recommendation says a fast-food minimum of $15 should take hold in New York City by December 31, 2018 and by July 1, 2021 for the rest of the state.

The current minimum wage for the state is $8.75 per hour. For New York City fast-food workers, the board recommended the minimum wage should be increased to $10.50 on December 31, 2015 and incrementally thereafter until the $15 maximum is reached. For the rest of the state, the minimum wage should be increased to $9.75 on December 31, and eventually up to $15.

The three-member wage board also approved a resolution that the term “fast-food chain” be defined to include fast-food establishments that are part of chains that have 30 or more locations nationally. That would mean that McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway and Taco Bell, which all have establishments in Sullivan County, would all fall under the policy if it is adopted.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was pushing for an across-the-board increase in the minimum wage before the assembly adjourned at the end of June this year. He can’t impose a new minimum wage for all workers, but through a wage board and the Department of Labor (DOL), he and his commissioner can address specific industries.

On July 27, a 15-day public comment period began, and franchise owners are expected to weigh in on the matter, saying the suggested increases treat their restaurants unfairly. Some franchise owners are considering a lawsuit against the DOL if the wage order is issued.

Based on the public comments, Musolino may accept, reject or modify the board’s recommendations and file a wage order. The wage order must be filed within 45 days once the report is filed. Retail workers in the state are now also pushing for a wage increase.