Arizona’s Minimum Wage Campaign Hits a Roadblock, Group Announces Withdrawal from Ballot

Voters could still have a chance to review a separate ballot initiative focused on how tipped workers in Arizona are compensated.

PHOENIX — The group championing a new ballot initiative to raise Arizona’s minimum wage has chosen to discontinue the proposal.

On Thursday, the Raise the Wage AZ campaign announced its decision to withdraw the signatures submitted to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office for a proposition that would have increased the minimum wage from $14.35 to $18 per hour for all workers.

The initiative would have also adjusted compensation practices for tipped workers in Arizona.

“We will never stop pushing to win what all Arizona workers deserve: a livable wage with tips on top,” Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, stated.

Instead of the ballot initiative, the group will now focus on passing legislation in Arizona to increase wages.

The Raise the Wage initiative faced a legal challenge from the Arizona Restaurant Association, which is supporting a different ballot initiative regarding tipped workers.

Proposition 138, known as the “Tipped Workers Protection Act,” would allow businesses to pay employees up to 25% less than the minimum wage if the employee’s wage plus tips is at least $2 more than the minimum wage for every hour worked.

“Without passage of Prop 138, you can bet the imposters behind One Fair Wage will be back with future attempts to install a California-style pay system in Arizona,” Steve Chucri, president & CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, declared.

Stay tuned for further updates.