Should Rhode Island Specped workers get an increase?

Providence, Ri (Wjar) – Since 2017, the top workers from Rhode Island have earned 3.89 cents per hour, far below the minimum wage.

“It is terrible that they work, they are tired, they have invested a long layer, they should be paid much more,” a Federal Hill Diner told NBC10.

Of course, this is a three-and-day one in front of tips, and Rhode Island Law currently says that companies have to make up all differences that workers make at least $ 15 under the state.

But now two bills in front of the house and the Senate are trying to increase this hourly rate.

While the house law proposes an annual increase to $ 15 by 2031, the Senate Act proposes a one-off increase to $ 6.75 before next year.

Mathematics does not work, “said Bob Bacon, co -owner of Gregg’s restaurants.” It just doesn’t work. Without the $ 3.89, my servers earn between $ 22 and $ 28 per hour. Some of them earn more than $ 30 an hour. “

Bacon testified in a meeting of the representative committee last week and emphasized the adverse effects that such laws would have for local business owners.

“I have 2000 servers hours a week,” he continued. “If this invoice is fully implemented, I would cost an additional 11.11 US dollar for all of these hours or an additional 22,200.”

While the restaurant owners remain hesitant, some customers do not worry that they are hit with higher prices.

“You know that you will get a better service in the end. It is certainly an important thing,” added another diner.

Some servers are worried that the advance of higher hourly wages is to press to eliminate the tip as a whole.

“If there is a question whether I get a fixed minimum wage or not, this tip that you want to give will be either zero and void or a mere thank you instead of being spent on myself to feed my family.” A server said at the hearing.

Both legal templates would have to continue the committee for the general assembly.