N.Y. Labor Law § 650: Statement of public policy

§ 650. Statement of public policy. There are persons employed in some

occupations in the state of New York at wages insufficient to provide

adequate maintenance for themselves and their families. Such employment

impairs the health, efficiency, and well-being of the persons so

employed, constitutes unfair competition against other employers and

their employees, threatens the stability of industry, reduces the

purchasing power of employees, and requires, in many instances, that

wages be supplemented by the payment of public moneys for relief or

other public and private assistance. Employment of persons at these

insufficient rates of pay threatens the health and well-being of the

people of this state and injures the overall economy.

Accordingly, it is the declared policy of the state of New York that

such conditions be eliminated as rapidly as practicable without

substantially curtailing opportunities for employment or earning power.

To this end minimum wage standards shall be established and maintained.