Lawmakers consider a raise for the state’s tipped workers
By News Staff
The Associated Press
Lawmakers are considering whether to give thousands of restaurant employees, hotel housekeepers and other tipped workers in Rhode Island a raise.
The hourly minimum wage for tipped workers is currently $2.89.
Rep. Aaron Regunberg says that rate hasn’t increased in nearly 20 years.
The Providence Democrat has introduced a bill to raise it. Under his plan, the hourly rate would increase to $4.50 in 2016. In 2020, it would be comparable to the regular minimum wage at that time.
Rhode Island labor organizations, community groups and advocates for women have formed a One Fair Wage coalition to urge passage.
A House committee will hold a hearing on the bill Thursday.
Seven states have abolished the tipped wage so service employees are paid at least the minimum wage before tips.
(C) WLNE-TV 2015
