This summer, the Michigan Court of Claims rendered a 2018 action taken by
the Michigan legislature unconstitutional. If not overturned in court, the tipped minimum wage will increase more than 200% overnight on February 19th.
According to statewide surveys commissioned by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, one in six full-service restaurants would close their doors forever if the ruling stands. Up to 60,000 restaurant jobs would be lost.
While relief may come through Michigan’s court system, the most reliable and sustainable victory for restaurant workers and operators would be a legislative solution. The opportunity is brief, however, and would require action during the 2022 lame duck session in December.
Watch servers' stories and find out why action is needed now.
