| We’ve received a lot of questions from our guests regarding the election and Ballot Question 5, and have been researching materials to share. After consideration, we thought it would be best to share a survey (from Carnegie Mellon) that asked those who would be most affected by the tip elimination credit, which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers. Restaurant servers from across the state participated in this survey. We have included some key data points in this email, but encourage everyone to read the full report here. |
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| Massachusetts state and federal guidelines ensure servers already receive the state minimum wage of $15 an hour. Under the current law, if a server’s hourly wage + tips does not equal the $15 minimum their employer makes up the difference. Most servers who responded to the survey already earn more than the state minimum wage. |
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| In addition to eliminating the tip credit, Ballot Question 5 would permit the creation of a mandatory tip pool. This combined with the potential for some customers to tip less or not at all due to the change in pay structure, has led to the wide-spread sentiment amongst those affected that they would earn less if Ballot Question 5 is approved. |
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| If you are looking for information and perspective beyond this study, we encourage you to speak to your server or bartender the next time you dine out, whether it be at a Serenitee Group Restaurant or another establishment in our community. |
Good Morning Gloucester 