Maine

Maine

Since the pandemic, restaurant workers have been leaving the industry in droves. Our research reveals that 53 percent of restaurant workers surveyed are considering leaving the industry, 70 percent of whom are citing low wages and tips as their primary reason for leaving, and 78 percent of workers state that the only reason they would stay in the industry is if they received a livable wage with tips on top. In response to this staffing crisis, thousands of restaurants nationwide have raised their wages to get workers to attract and retain staff, but this measure is not enough. Through state campaigns, we are focusing on raising wages for tipped workers so that the 1 million restaurant workers who have left since the onset of the pandemic can return to an industry that fairly compensates essential workers.

In Maine, people voted to raise the minimum wage for all workers, including tipped workers, in 2016. In 2017, however, the Maine legislature voted to reinstate the subminimum wage for tipped workers– resulting in tipped workers receiving only half of the Maine minimum wage. Through ballot initiatives, we can signal to workers that the restaurant industry is willing to pay fair wages for their labor. One Fair Wage is working on City Council legislation to protect workers and raise wages.

The 7 states that already do this (CA, OR, WA, NV, MN, MT and AK) have higher restaurant sales, higher job growth rates, and the same or higher tipping averages compared to Portland.”

Research