The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Stands with Many Local Restaurants to Support a “No” Vote on Question 5
Northampton, MA – The board of directors of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) has taken a rare public position by supporting a “No” vote on Question 5 about minimum wage for tipped workers. By doing so, the GNCC stands with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) and many local restaurants that are members of both the MRA and the GNCC.
Taking a position on a major policy or political issue is rare for the GNCC. However, after careful and thoughtful review of Question 5, the GNCC board determined that many businesses and tipped employees may suffer downstream negative implications including higher labor costs for businesses and potentially lower take-home pay for workers.
Another contributing factor to the board’s decision to support a “No” vote on Question 5 was research that shows that many tipped employees in the restaurant industry currently earn wages higher than the proposed minimum wage. Further, surveys conducted among waiters and bartenders convey that they do not favor sharing tips, which is also part of Question 5.
“The board also based its decision heavily on the GNCC’s mission and role in driving a thriving economy and community,” said Vince Jackson, executive director of the GNCC. “Restaurants are an important sector when it comes to economic growth and job creation in our community. Many GNCC restaurant members are concerned that increased labor costs could force restaurants to reduce hours for workers, provide fewer jobs, raise menu prices for customers, or even close their doors.”
“We are proud to stand with our local business community and look forward to continuing our work to support economic development and a sustainable model that benefits our local employers, workforce, and residents alike,” stated board vice president Jennifer Ewers, who led the GNCC board through its process to a decision on Question 5. “Supporting a ‘No’ vote on Question 5 is part of that work.”