DC Pauses Tipped Wage Hike Amid Economic Debate

The D.C. Council voted 8-4 to enact a 90-day pause on a scheduled $2 per hour increase in the tipped minimum wage, delaying the rise from $10 to $12 until October as mandated by Initiative 82, which was passed by voters in 2022. Mayor Muriel Bowser supports this pause and has proposed repealing the initiative, citing concerns about rising business costs and a notable increase in restaurant closures reported by industry groups since the law's implementation. Some council members and worker advocates counter that the restaurant sector is thriving and argue that the city's economic challenges are more nuanced. Opponents of the pause say it disrespects the will of voters and postpones necessary wage increases for tipped workers. The pause will last through October, after which the wage hike will take effect unless further council action is taken. The move highlights ongoing tensions between supporting worker pay, sustaining local businesses, and upholding voter-approved mandates.