The minimum wage is going up Dec. 31 in St. Lawrence County and the rest of New York.

The statewide minimum wage will go up to $9 per hour and $9.75 per hour for fast food workers at chains with more than 30 locations nationwide.

Tipped hospitality workers will get a $7.50 per hour minimum wage

“No one who works full time should ever be condemned to a life of poverty,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a prepared statement, adding that he is pushing for a $15 per hour minimum wage.

Failure to comply with increased minimum wages can result in fines, charges and civil or criminal punishment, Cuomo said.

The Department of Labor, which enforces the minimum wage law, has fact sheets, frequently asked questions and additional resources for all employers and employees at www.labor.ny.gov/minimumwage.

“The Department of Labor works with employees to help them understand their rights and also works with businesses to ensure they know their responsibilities,” said Acting State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “I strongly encourage anyone with questions to use our Department’s resources to make sure they’re being paid the right wage, or paying workers properly and won’t be penalized.”

The department will also provide one-on-one support and what Cuomo calls “a streamlined reporting process to help businesses understand and come into compliance with the new rate.”

A business in need of assistance or a worker with questions or who is looking to file a complaint should call (888) 469-7365.