Tucson Metro Chamber Backs ‘Yes’ Vote for Prop. 138

The Tucson Metro Chamber is urging community members to vote “yes” on Prop. 138, also known as the Tipped Workers Protection Act. This legislation aims to safeguard wages and jobs for tipped employees, supporting the sustainability of local dining establishments.

As the Chamber’s CEO, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with the Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council, which includes local restaurant owners and their suppliers. Our monthly meetings shed light on the challenges and successes these businesses face. The insights gathered are vital for aiding an industry that earned Tucson recognition as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States.

It’s inspiring to observe how restaurant managers and owners create exceptional dining experiences amidst tight profit margins. The role of tipped professionals is crucial, and many restaurateurs are dedicated to ensuring these employees receive the support they deserve.

In 2006, Arizona enacted the “tip credit,” allowing restaurants to pay tipped employees $3 less than the mandated minimum wage, provided tips supplemented their earnings to meet the minimum. Feedback from workers indicates this system has enabled them to earn significantly above minimum wage regularly.

Prop. 138 aims to not only maintain this beneficial model but also enhance it. The Tipped Workers Protection Act would constitutionally secure a sustainable tip credit system, ensuring that tipped workers can earn more than the minimum wage while adjusting to inflation-based wage changes. Under this proposal, the tip credit could account for up to 25% of the current minimum wage, given that employees earn at least $2 above it. This change promises fair wages and an equitable framework for both employees and employers.

This initiative is beneficial for everyone involved. It guarantees higher wages for workers while providing restaurants flexibility in managing payroll and expenses, ultimately contributing to lower customer bills. Tipped employees statewide are advocating for this protection, benefiting from job security and flexible schedules.

Despite its advantages, Prop. 138 faces opposition. Some outside groups have campaigned to eliminate the tip credit, dismissing the consequences seen in other states, such as layoffs and restaurant closures.

Critics have pointed out that if Prop. 138 passes, base pay for servers may decline slightly in 2025 due to recent minimum wage updates. However, this perspective overlooks the crucial guarantee—every tipped employee will still earn at least $2 an hour above the minimum wage, ensuring long-term pay stability.

A “yes” vote on Prop. 138 will protect Tucson’s vibrant restaurant scene, which not only creates jobs but also supports families as they pursue their next life stages. It reinforces the high wages that those who choose service as a career truly deserve while preserving Tucson’s thriving food culture.

Ultimately, we should trust the voices of those in the industry and the small businesses that contribute to our local economy. A vote in favor of Prop. 138 reflects our commitment to sustaining a beloved aspect of Tucson’s community. Join us in supporting this important initiative.