Ellen Fleming -
BOSTON (WWLP) – A potential ballot question had a hearing Tuesday after dueling rallies on the State House steps.
Massachusetts voters could be asked this November to vote on how tipped workers should be paid, however, it first went before a special joint committee that could decide its fate.
Under current law, all employees must be paid $15 an hour. However, tipped workers can be paid $6.75 per hour as long as the workers’ individual pay totals $15 an hour.
One Fair Wage is a national organization working to do away with what they’re calling subminimum wages. They are proponents of this ballot question, which would gradually increase wages for tipped workers over five years until it falls in line with state law of $15 an hour. It also would allow for tip pooling, which is currently banned under state law.
Advocates of this question talked today about the harassment hospitality workers face, and how those working in restaurants are often marginalized groups.
“During the pandemic, they called us heroes, they thanked us and like post-pandemic, they said we’re asking for too much when we’re asking for the bare minimum,” remarked Estephania Galvis, National Organizing Director for One Fair Wage.
There was also a strong showing of individuals from the opposition group, many of whom were tipped workers themselves, being led by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
“This is a lose lose for everyone, this is a lose, lost earnings for tipped employees, lost revenue for restaurant owners and higher prices for consumers,” explained Stephen Clark, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
This hearing occurred because the legislature could approve a measure, propose a different version, or leave the question up to voters. The legislature has until May 1st to act on ballot initiatives. If they leave it to voters, sponsors need to collect over 12,000 signatures to get on the ballot.