How this will affect other industries as they compete for labor will have to be determined by the market.
However, for now, it appears the SEIU’s campaign to raise fast-food workers’ wages will be phased in a bit slower than many fast-food workers were likely expecting.
While this has not been offcially put into effect, here is what the New York Wage Board is recommending:
New York City (July 22, 2015) -Today the Fast Food Wage Board, appointed by Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino, voted on three motions, the summary and results of which are below.
1. A motion to raise the wage to $15 for employees of fast food chains.
Passed 3-0
2. A motion to phase in the increase incrementally to take effect in New York City by December 31, 2018 and by July 1, 2021 for the rest of the state. For New York City, the minimum wage should be increased to $10.50 on December 31, 2015, $12.00 on December 31, 2016, $13.50 on December 31, 2017, and $15.00 on December 31, 2018. For the rest of the state, the minimum wage should be increased to $9.75 on December 31, 2015, $10.75 on December 31, 2016, $11.75 on December 31, 2017, $12.75 on December 31, 2018, $13.75 on December 31, 2019, $14.50 on December 31, 2020, and $15.00 on July 1, 2021.
Passed 3-0
3. A motion 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.
Passed 3-0
Source: Wage Board Votes On Recommendations for Fast Food Workers in New York State
I expect you will see outcomes like Seattle, where the new wages have resulted in requests to reduce hours so these less needy people can continue getting their expected welfare/entitlement benefits..