BOSTON – The group One Fair Wage is poised to answer the question on the November ballot – allowing all workers in Massachusetts to earn $15 an hour and require a tip pool.
Would you still be inclined to tip?
If tipped employees earn the standard minimum wage of $15 per hour, would you still be inclined to tip?
“Minimum wage doesn’t mean you’re making a living, so I think tipping is necessary,” said Alan Dwight.
Others aren’t so sure.
“I would still tip,” Justin Tomaino said. “But I would feel like it would be less pressure and more of a judgment call.”
Supporters of One Fair Wage told WBZ-TV that restaurant and service workers need to know how much they make per week.
“A small business is struggling because they can’t retain employees and the number one way we know you can stop turnover is by paying people what they earn,” says Estefania Galvis of One Fair Wage.
Currently, non-tipped workers earn $15 an hour in Massachusetts. Those who can collect tips earn $6.75 per hour, as long as their total earnings are $15 per hour.
Concerns about raising wages leading to higher menu prices
“I’m really happy with the way it is, and I don’t want that to change,” says bartender Kyle Riess.
He estimates he will lose thousands of dollars in tips a year if the ballot question goes into effect.
“I understand that One Fair Wage sounds really good on paper, which is nice,” Riess explained. “Everyone should get one fair wage, right, but my wage is very fair and I think a lot of bartenders and waiters would agree with me!”
His boss, Doug Bacon, says the proposal could have a negative impact on his business and his customers.
“If we have to pay them $15 an hour, we’re going to have to dramatically increase our menu prices,” he said.
Others wonder whether tipping would be necessary if the measure becomes law.
“I feel like I’m more likely to tip based on actual service than I feel the need to tip,” said Tomiano.
Election day is November 5.
