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Updated: Initiative 77 Approved By Washington D.C. Voters


Yesterday, voters in Washington D.C. approved Initiative 77, a controversial ballot measure that will raise the hourly pay rate for tipped workers in the city from the present rate of $3.33/hour up to $15/hour in the coming years.  In the interim, employers will be required to make up the difference between the tipped employee minimum wage rate, $3.33/hour, and the Washington D.C. minimum wage rate, $12.50/hour, if the tipped employee does not earn at least the minimum wage rate.

Opponents of the measure had long argued that if approved, it would lead to employers passing the increased labor cost onto customers (by way of service charges, higher prices for food and services, etc.), cutting work hours of its employees, and result in widespread layoffs as employers would seek to offset the rise in wages.  However, that 'campaign' to oppose Initiative 77 apparently did not pay off as the approximate 55% of voters that voted in favor the measure were unswayed by these potential negative ramifications.  

As with many progressive labor and employment law related bills that ultimately become law, the question turns to whether other cities and states will attempt to pass similar legislation.  Something tells me others are likely to follow suit now that voters in Washington D.C. have paved the way in the matter.


For additional information:  https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2018/06/dc-voters-decide-fate-of-minimum-wage-for-tipped-workers/

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