Raise the Wage AZ Ballot Initiative Withdrawn
The hopes for an increase in Arizona’s minimum wage took a turn as the Raise the Wage AZ campaign decided to withdraw their proposal. The initiative aimed to raise the minimum wage from $14.35 to $18 per hour for all workers in Arizona, as well as make changes to how tipped workers are compensated.
Despite the setback, the group remains committed to advocating for fair wages for all. Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, stated, “We will never stop pushing to win what all Arizona workers deserve: a livable wage with tips on top.”
Instead of pursuing the ballot initiative, the group plans to focus on passing legislation in Arizona to raise wages in a more sustainable manner.
Tipped Workers Protection Act – Proposition 138
In a parallel development, the Arizona Restaurant Association is pushing a separate ballot initiative known as the “Tipped Workers Protection Act” or Proposition 138. This act would allow businesses to pay tipped employees up to 25% less than the minimum wage, provided the employer can prove that the employee’s total earnings, including tips, exceed $2 more than the minimum wage for every hour worked.
Steve Chucri, president & CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, warned against the Raise the Wage initiative and emphasized the importance of passing Proposition 138 to protect the state from potential future initiatives that could impact businesses.
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