Minimum wage ballot question could bump tipped workers in Massachusetts to $15 an hour
BOSTON - A potential ballot question around minimum wage in Massachusetts could bump hourly pay for tipped workers to $15, but what would that really mean for workers' pay and your restaurant bill?
The group One Fair Wage is close to getting that question on the November ballot – increasing the $6.75 minimum wage for tipped workers by more than $8 an hour. It would also require a tip pool.
Would you still be inclined to tip?
If tipped workers' pre-tip pay more than doubled, would you still be inclined to leave the same gratuity?
"Minimum wage doesn't mean you're making a living, so tipping - I think it's necessary," said Alan Dwight.
Others aren't so sure.
"I would still tip," Justin Tomaino said. "I feel like I would be more inclined to tip based on actual service rather than feeling the need to tip."
Supporters of One Fair Wage told WBZ-TV that restaurant and service workers should know how much they are earning each week.
"A small business is struggling because they cannot retain workers and the number one way we know that you can stop turnover is paying people what they deserve," Estefania Galvis of One Fair Wage said.
Right now, non-tipped workers make at least $15 an hour in Massachusetts. Those who can collect tips make a minimum of $6.75 an hour, as long as their total earnings with tips reach $15 an hour.
Higher menu prices and lower tips?
Not all tipped workers are onboard the change. Some fear it could result in them taking home less money.
"I don't want it to change," said bartender Kyle Riess. He estimates he'll lose thousands of dollars in tips a year if the ballot question goes into effect.
"I understand One Fair Wage sounds really good on paper, that's nice," Riess explained. "Everyone should get one fair wage, right? But my wage is very fair and I think a lot of bartenders and servers would agree with me on that."
His boss, Doug Bacon, said the proposal could have a negative impact on his business and patrons.
"If we have to pay them $15 an hour, we'll have to dramatically increase our menu prices," Bacon said.
The minimum wage question has not yet been certified to appear on the November 5 ballot. It is one of a handful of proposed ballot initiatives still alive.