Statement by James Calvin, NYACS President, Concerning Minimum Wage

ALBANY, NY (02/07/2013)(readMedia)-- James Calvin, President of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, issued the following statement today in response to the press event by the Women's Chamber of Commerce concerning the proposed New York minimum wage increase.

"The current economic climate for New York's mom-and-pop convenience stores leaves them unable to afford the 21 percent mid-year spike in payroll costs advocated today by the Women's Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

"Between general economic conditions and the huge loss of retail business due to widespread tobacco and motor fuel tax avoidance, their sales are flat or declining. Thus, their only options for dealing with a steep rise in wages would be to reduce staff, cut benefits, or increase prices proportionately, any of which would further weaken their businesses and the overall economy.

"Our analysis shows that a $1.50 increase in minimum wage would actually cost our stores $1.76 once higher employer-paid payroll taxes are factored in. Plus, it would automatically trigger corresponding increases in the state's minimum weekly salary, uniform allowance, and meal allowance rates, compounding the financial impact on our members. Unable to compete with no-tax or lower-tax venues for core customers, new cost mandates would place these family businesses in a precarious position."