Restaurant owners concerned over minimum wage hike for tipped staff

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Local restaurant owners are voicing their concerns over the proposed ‘Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers’ here in the state.

It will now be appearing as Question Number 5 on the ballot this November after being finalized by the state last week.

A “yes” vote would support the gradual increase of the wage of tipped employees until it meets the state minimum wage in 2029. It continues to allow tipping in addition to the minimum wage.

Local restaurant owners say this will hurt all of their employees that serve ‘in the front of the house’. Bill Stetson, Owner of Rumbleseat Bar and Grille told 22News, “I would lose all of my staff because their wages would go from probably more than $50 an hour to $15–because people don’t tip when you are already making minimum wage. It is just a fact–so hopefully everyone votes ‘No” on Question 5. That is one that is really important to our business.”

The minimum wage this year for tipped employees here in the Commonwealth was $6.75 in addition to tips. The minimum wage for non-tipped employees was $15.00.

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