Massachusetts Voters Reject Pay Hike for Tipped Workers, OK Audit from Legislature

BOSTON (AP) — Voters in Massachusetts said yes to auditing the Legislature but rejected raising hourly wages for tip-collecting workers.

Those were among five measures in Tuesday’s vote, including giving trade union rights for taxi company drivers such as Uber and Lyft.

Other questions would allow the use of certain plant-based psychedelics and eliminate the use of statewide testing as a requirement for obtaining a high school diploma.

Defeated: Increase the minimum wage for tipped workers

Voters rejected a proposal to gradually increase how much employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as waiters at restaurants.

The state wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 per hour, while the… minimum hourly wage for most other employees is $15. If an employee doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring them up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would have to pay $9.60 to tipped workers on Jan. 1, equivalent to the state’s full minimum wage in early 2029.

Advocates of the issue – the Yes on 5 Campaign – blamed the defeat on what they called “an unprecedented influx of corporate spending and a campaign of misinformation” by restaurant organizations.

Opponents said the proposal would have reduced overall wages for servers, increased costs for restaurants and customers and could force some neighborhood restaurants to close. Chris Keohan of the Committee to Protect Tips attributed the defeat to the tipped workers who campaigned against it.

Approved: Authorize audit of state legislature

Voters gave the state auditor the power to audit the legislature.

The ballot measure was led by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who previously served in both the state House and Senate. She said the measure’s passage is a victory for those who want a more open state government.

“The people of Massachusetts want the equality, transparency and accountability that a legislative audit would bring,” she said.

Critics had said the question would violate the separation of powers enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution.

Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano released a statement saying they will consider “how best to respect the election results of Question 1 in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

Allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize

Drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors who do not have the right to unionize under federal law.

The proposal would allow them to unite in the state. Drivers would not be required to participate. Individual companies could band together to form associations to represent their interests in negotiations.

As part of the measure, the state would have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal would also create a hearing when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.

Unions pushed for change, despite a settlement announced in June by the attorney general’s office guaranteeing that Uber and Lyft drivers earn a minimum wage of $32.50 per hour.

Opponents say the measure will raise prices for motorcyclists without directly benefiting drivers. Critics also argued that the demand would create what they call “a new radical employment category” that violates federal labor laws. They say the drivers already receive benefits, including the higher hourly rate and paid sick and medical leave.

Legalize psychedelics

The ballot would allow residents aged 21 and older to vote to grow and use plant-based psychedelics in certain circumstances, making it the third state to legalize some mind-altering drugs considered illegal by the federal government.

Psychedelics include two psychedelics that occur in so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ – psilocybin and psilocyn – and three from plants – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

The measure would allow the substances to be purchased from approved locations for use under the supervision of a recognized facilitator. Although retail sales would be banned, individuals would be able to grow and share psychedelics at home.

The proposal would allow for the regulation and taxation of psychedelics and create a five-member commission to oversee the industry.

Critics warned that this could lead to a black market. They also argued that the centers would not be stopped from giving psychedelics to people considered high risk, such as people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drop testing as a requirement for high school diploma

Massachusetts students must pass extensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The ballot measure would not eliminate the tests, but passing them would no longer be required for graduation.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are given in math, science and technology, and English.

Instead of passing the tests, students would be required to complete courses certified by the local school district and meet the state’s academic standards for the subjects.

Teachers unions are among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching to the test” limits their ability to give students a more complete education.

Proponents of the tests argued that without the testing requirement, school districts will have lower standards so students can graduate. They said it is unfair to award degrees to students who are not ready.

Steve Leblanc, The Associated Press