This is the latest in a series of articles examining the five ballot questions facing voters on Nov. 5.
As Massachusetts voters prepare to cast their ballots on Nov. 5, Question 5 has sparked debate among Marblehead’s restaurant community.
The ballot initiative proposes gradually increasing the hourly minimum wage for tipped workers from $6.75 to match the standard minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2029. A “yes” vote supports this change, while a “no” vote maintains the current system where employers must ensure tipped workers earn at least the full minimum wage when tips are included. If the “yes” side prevails, employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non-management workers.
Recent polling data suggests a close race for Question 5, with supporters holding a slight edge. According to a survey conducted by WBUR, Commonwealth Beacon and the MassInc Polling Group in late September https://media.wbur.org/wp/2024/09/Topline-2024-09-Knight-Election-Hub-MA.pdf, 43% of likely voters support the measure, while 40% oppose it, with 16% still undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points, indicating that the outcome remains uncertain.
Proponents argue the measure would provide greater financial security for tipped workers, particularly during slow periods. However, local restaurant staff express mixed opinions on its potential impact.
Linsey Wood, a bartender at The Landing with nearly two decades of industry experience, sees both sides of the issue.
“I’m honestly not as against it as most people,” Wood said. “But I am against doing it with [kitchen workers], because then you do lose money.”
Wood explained that under the current system, her earnings can vary widely but average out favorably.
“There are nights where no one comes in and you just hang out for the evening, drink coffee and get paid minimum wage,” she said. “But the next night, when I make $400 in the same amount of shift, it averages out.”
However, Wood expressed concern about potential changes to the tipping culture.
“I like working in an environment where I get tipped extra, above and beyond the 18 to 20% average,” she said. “I like doing a really good job, being told that my service is high quality and being rewarded for it.”
Jayda Mateo, a server at The Landing, voiced stronger opposition to the measure.
“No one should be voting yes,” Mateo stated. She warned that passage could lead to reduced incentives and service quality. “Everyone would kind of look at each other the same if we’re all making the same, which would not help a restaurant at all.”
Mateo also highlighted concerns about the impact on small businesses.
“If wages went up, then most likely owners would lose money,” she said. “We would have to close most family-owned small businesses.”
Driftwood owner Colleen Galvin highlighted the potential ripple effects on the local restaurant scene, particularly for small businesses still recovering from the pandemic.
“You’re not going to be able to stay open,” she said. “Especially now after COVID hit, and everybody’s already hurting as it is.”
Galvin shared insights from conversations with industry peers.
“I’ve been talking to other restaurant owners, and everyone’s concerned,” Galvin said. “They’re saying, ‘If this passes, we might not be able to keep our doors open.'”
Addressing the argument that the measure would provide her employees with more stable income, Galvin countered, “Most tipped employees already make well over $15 an hour. If we limit them to just [minimum wage], how are they supposed to make a living?” said Galvin. “It’s simply not enough — nobody can live off that.”
The potential for high earnings under the current system is a key factor in some workers’ opposition to Question 5. Wood and Mateo, both experienced servers, reported hourly earnings that far exceed the proposed minimum wage. Wood estimated her earnings range from $30 to $75 per hour, depending on the shift. Mateo cited similar figures, noting the potential to make $50 to $60 an hour on good days.
Despite these concerns, advocacy groups like One Fair Wage argue that the change is necessary to combat poverty among tipped workers.
“Question 5 is crucial because it ensures that tipped workers finally receive fair wages, giving them the financial stability they need to support themselves and their families,” said Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage.
The measure has gained support from various community organizations, including the MA Voter Table, MassVOTE and the Brazilian Worker Center. These groups argue that the current system disproportionately affects women and people of color.
“The fight for fair wages is about ensuring that no one in Massachusetts is forced to work two or three jobs just to scrape by,” said Alex Galimberti, director of Strategic Partnerships of Justice at Work.
However, some local workers remain skeptical. Wood recounted her experience at a previous workplace that implemented a house pool system, distributing tips among all staff.
“I would bring in like $600-$700 and they’d bring in like $200,” she said. “It was getting to the point where every Friday and Saturday night I was giving away [money].”
