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DC Council Votes to Temporarily Halt Initiative 82’s $2 Increase for Tipped Workers

DC Council Pauses Wage Increases for Tipped Workers Amid Controversy

Washington, D.C. – In a significant decision, the DC Council voted 8-4 on Tuesday to halt the expected $2 raise for tipped workers, delaying their wage increase from $10 to $12 per hour, originally scheduled for July 1. This pause comes as part of Initiative 82, passed in 2022 with nearly 75% voter support, which aimed to gradually raise tipped workers’ wages to $17.50 by 2027.

Councilmember Robert White, supporting the emergency resolution, cited concerns from restaurant workers who claimed they were experiencing wage losses, particularly as many small businesses face closures. "I’m hearing from a lot of restaurant workers that they’re losing wages under I-82," he stated.

In contrast, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George opposed the pause, warning it could undermine voter intent. "This feels like the first step toward repealing the will of the voters," she expressed.

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington has criticized I-82, arguing it negatively impacts the industry, a sentiment echoed by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has shown support for potentially repealing the initiative altogether.

Union representative Amanda Michelle Gomez from Unite Here Local 25 echoed workers’ frustrations, declaring their disappointment in the council’s decision. "We shouldn’t do it by undermining workers who are counting on these wage increases," she argued, as chants of "Don’t Cut Our Wages" filled the chambers during the vote, which even led to disruptions.

This temporary pause will last through October, after which wages are poised to increase unless further actions are taken. The ongoing debate underscores a conflict between business interests and worker rights in the evolving landscape of DC’s hospitality industry.

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