Chobani LLC has announced a minimum wage for all workers of $15 an hour, more than twice the current federal minimum.
The company estimates that as a result, average hourly wages at its two manufacturing facilities, in South Edmeston, N.Y., and Twin Falls, Idaho, will reach $19 an hour. In addition, Chobani employees in New York City, including workers at the Chobani Café in Manhattan, will get a minimum of $18 an hour.
"This moment of uncertainty is a call for us to join together to strengthen communities and support those working tirelessly to make the food on the tables of families across America," Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, said in a statement. "Businesses should serve the people and communities in which they operate. Raising our base starting salary is the right thing to do and we hope other businesses, particularly food manufacturers, feel the same as we all work toward rebuilding our country."
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. New York State has a minimum of $11.80, which is due to rise to $12.50 by the end of this year.
