Voters Decide Workplace Issues

Alaska voters passed Ballot Measure 1, which will increase the state’s minimum wage from the current rate of $11.73 per hour to $13.00 per hour on July 1, 2025. It will then rise to $14.00 per hour on July 1, 2026, and $15.00 per hour on July 1, 2027. Further increases will be calculated based on inflation.

 

Ballot Measure 1 also included new paid sick leave requirements. Starting July 1, 2025, eligible employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and will be allowed to use at least 40 and up to 56 hours of accrued paid sick leave annually, depending on how many employees work for their employer.

 

Another part of Ballot Measure 1 prohibits “captive audience” meetings, effective July 1, 2025. The new law will prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who refuse to attend company meetings about political or religious topics.

Arizona voters rejected Proposition 138, which would have amended the state constitution to allow employers to pay tipped employees up to 25% less than the minimum wage. Therefore, Arizona’s current subminimum wage requirements still stand, meaning that employers can continue paying tipped workers up to $3.00 per hour below the minimum wage, as long as their tips bring their wages to the statewide hourly minimum of $14.35.

California’s Proposition 32 failed. The minimum wage will remain at the increase of $16.50 effective January 1, 2025.

 

 

 

Florida’s Amendment 3 to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state failed to get the 60% voter support needed to pass a state constitutional amendment. State law currently allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. 

The Question 5 initiative sought to require a gradual phase-out of the permissible tip credit by increasing minimum wages for tipped workers each year. This measure did not pass, so Massachusetts will maintain its current minimum wage structure regarding tipped employees.

In Missouri, voters approved Proposition A. Accordingly, the state’s current minimum hourly wage of $12.30 will increase to $13.25 on January 1, 2025, and to $15.00 on January 1, 2026, with further increases dependent on inflation.

 

The measure also includes a new paid sick leave law that will take effect on May 1, 2025. Employees will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and will be entitled to use up to 40 or 56 hours annually, depending on the size of the employer.