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.

Seven states (CA, OR, WA, NV, MT, MN, AK), plus Washington D.C. require restaurants to pay the full minimum wage with tips on top. These states have higher restaurant sales, higher job growth rates, and the same or higher tipping averages compared to Portland!

We’re working on City Council legislation to protect workers and raise wages.

Portland has a thriving restaurant scene, but workers can barely afford to go out to eat in their own city. Businesses can afford to pay a living wage with tips on top, they just don’t want to. With higher wages and better tips, the industry will thrive. To win One Fair Wage, we need a strong coalition of workers to stand up for their rights. Contact us to join the fight!

Dine Back Better Portland Guide

The National Restaurant Association was founded in 1919 to suppress workers’ wages and maintain the subminimum wage for tipped workers.