OPINION: Even Tipped Workers Oppose Q5

Above, a Vote No sign displayed in front of a Franklin restaurant.

By Amy Carnevale, Chair, Massachusetts Republican Party

The MassGOP strongly opposes Ballot Question 5, concerning the minimum wage for tipped workers. If enacted, this initiative would have detrimental effects on the entire restaurant industry, impacting not only the establishments but also the servers, bartenders, and patrons throughout Massachusetts. By eliminating the tipped minimum wage, the initiative would compel restaurants to pay the full minimum wage to tipped workers, significantly increasing their operating costs. This change threatens the viability of restaurants and the livelihoods of those who work in this vital sector of our economy.

Servers and bartenders already earn significantly more than the minimum wage, choosing this profession because they can make in a weekend what someone in a standard 9-to-5 job earns in a week. 

A survey conducted among waitstaff and bartenders revealed that 86% of respondents believe the current tipping system works for them. 

Additionally, 90% of those surveyed feel that eliminating tipped wages would result in lower earnings for tipped employees. Furthermore, 80% oppose a mandatory tip pool that would share tips with the kitchen and other non-service staff. An overwhelming 91% expressed a preference for the existing system, which allows for a lower base wage while providing the opportunity to earn more through tips.

Mom-and-pop dining establishments, still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, will be among the hardest hit. Introducing this additional burden will force many small restaurants to close their doors. Other establishments will have no choice but to raise their prices, ultimately leading to a more expensive dining experience for consumers.

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale commented on the ballot question, stating, “I can’t understand who the proponents of this measure are fighting for. This ballot question harms everyone involved in the restaurant industry, particularly bartenders and waitstaff. Before making a decision, I implore voters to speak with their favorite waitress or bartender at their preferred restaurant and ask how they plan to vote."

"From owners to waitstaff, everyone in the restaurant industry opposes this measure. This ballot question doesn’t benefit anyone and will make dining out—a simple pleasure in life—less affordable for Massachusetts residents. We have no right to interfere with people’s livelihoods. The MassGOP stands firm in voting NO against Question 5,” Carnevale concluded.