Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
One Fair Wage is making another attempt to ensure that tipped workers in Michigan earn at least the state's minimum wage, rather than a reduced "sub-minimum" wage that considers their tips. This initiative follows the filing of referendum wording with the Board of State Canvassers.
The effort, led by Voters to Stop Pay Cuts, is now entering the signature-gathering phase. Organizers aim to reinstate a wage increase that Michigan voters previously supported and won through a ballot measure. In 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled these wage increases should be implemented.
Earlier this year, however, legislation known as SB 8 was passed, reversing this pay hike amid an affordability crisis affecting many families. Under Michigan's referendum process, voters can suspend newly enacted laws by collecting enough valid signatures. If successful, SB 8 will be paused and placed on the ballot.
Advocates for fair wages are organizing a statewide volunteer drive to recruit and train volunteers for the campaign. They plan to coordinate outreach efforts, inform voters about the referendum process, and engage affected workers and communities.
Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage, stated: “The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that these wage increases should be implemented, yet lawmakers rolled them back before they even took effect. We’re mobilizing to ensure voters – not politicians – have the ultimate say in whether these protections are upheld.”
Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, responded by saying P.A. 1 of 2025 was a rare bipartisan solution crafted after input from various stakeholders including servers and business owners. He criticized the referendum effort by Voters to Stop Pay Cuts as misguided and warned it could slow progress toward a $15 minimum wage.
“After six years of legal uncertainty, our industry finally has clarity and a responsible path forward," Winslow said. "Michigan’s restaurant workers and operators deserve certainty, not chaos... We urge voters to decline to sign this irresponsible attempt to undermine worker-focused legislation."
Article courtesy MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
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