Voting Yes on 5 is a vote for fairness. In Massachusetts, the tipped minimum wage is only $6.75 an hour - less than half the state’s full minimum wage of $15/hour. This is an unenforceable two-tier system, and wage theft is rampant throughout the restaurant industry with tipped workers not being made whole at the end of a shift. Ending this low-wage carve out positively impacts almost 125,000 tipped workers in Massachusetts, and the restaurant industry as a whole.

Question 5 would increase the tipped minimum wage slowly over the course of five years until it reaches the full minimum wage of $15/hour plus tips on top. After those five years, restaurants and bars will have the option of including back-of-house workers in tip pools, bringing Massachusetts up to the federal standard, increasing teamwork within restaurant staff, and lifting up all workers.

It’s fair for Workers: Instead of being paid the current tipped minimum wage of just $6.75 an hour, Massachusetts tipped workers deserve the full minimum wage with tips on top. Workers in the 7 One Fair Wage states earn a full wage plus tips, and they enjoy robust tips and a growing restaurant industry where menu prices are comparable to Massachusetts. This law would create greater financial stability and predictability, acknowledging workers’ skills and professionalism, and make it easier for workers to make ends meet.

It’s fair for Employers: Many Massachusetts small businesses are already paying the full minimum wage plus tips. Big restaurant corporations should do the same. This would reduce employee turnover, improve service quality, and help grow the restaurant industry.

It’s fair for Consumers: Big restaurant corporations are not paying their fair share and are forcing consumers to cover their employees’ wages through tips. Tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages paid by large corporations.