Tipped‑wage fight intensifies at council hearing as workers, owners clash over Initiative 82 and paid‑leave cuts

WASHINGTON — Testimony lasting into the evening on June 4 made clear the District’s debate over tipped wages and paid family leave has become the city’s largest, immediate fiscal and political issue.

The hearing drew long lines of workers and owners to the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor. Many tipped workers and union organizers urged the Council to leave Initiative 82 — the voter‑approved phase‑out of the tipped subminimum wage — intact and to reject any effort to cut paid family leave benefits. Several restaurant owners and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington said initiative 82’s phased wage increases have driven a jump in payroll costs, pushed some businesses to adopt service charges and, they say, contributed to closures and job‑losses.

'I voted yes on Initiative 82 and I still support its implementation,' said bartender Matt Holla, speaking as a voter and hospitality worker. 'This is about dignity. Don't cut our wages.' Several dozen workers made similar statements, many noting little or no drop in tips at their workplaces since the policy took effect and pointing to service charges as the cause of confusion and reduced take‑home pay for some staff.

Union leaders and community advocates described the issue in equity terms. 'Tipped workers are disproportionately women and workers of color,' said Paul Schwab, executive secretary treasurer of Unite Here Local 25. 'Initiative 82 addresses a long‑standing pay gap.…