Tipped workers push for $15 minimum wage in Baltimore

By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.comTipped employees and One Fair Wage, a national advocacy organization, presented the Baltimore City Council with a 400-signature petition in supporting the Fair Wages for Tipped Employees bill on Aug. 26.The proposed legislation would gradually implement a $15 minimum wage for tipped workers. Employers are currently only required to pay tipped employees $3.63 per hour under state law.Councilman John T. Bullock (D-District 9)“The reason why I support it, as well as others, is because I believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Councilman John T. Bullock (D-District 9), the main bill sponsor. “It’s about fairness, it’s about equity predictability in terms of wages.”Ebony Battle, a waitress, talks about how the bill would benefit her.“I wouldn’t have to wonder if I’m going to make ends meet every single weekend,” said Battle, 28.& Right now, Battle says she is often “not sure if I’ll be able to pay my rent or eat food.”Battle emphasized the need for everyone to have access to the bare necessities of life.“We should have universal basic income and everybody should have access to housing,” she said. “At $3 an hour, that’s not possible.”Though Bullock says there is support among his colleagues for...