Illinois will become the first state to ban “right to work” laws after voters approved the ballot measure constitutionally securing the right of workers to unionize and bargain collectively. The Illinois Constitution allows for two methods by which an amendment can be added: be approved with 60% or greater margin, or collect more a simple…
Read More »We’ll let the major media talking heads comment on most of the big races and results across the country from Tuesday’s midterm elections while we highlight some of the issues and results that might be of greater concern to franchisees and other small business owners. That said, we note that once again, the results were…
Read More »It was an even split on election day for questions on keeping a tipped wage as Portland Maine voters resoundingly rejected a ballot proposal to eliminate the tipped wage and hike the minimum within the city to $18 per hour. Question D, as the initiative was known went down to defeat by a 61-39% margin.…
Read More »Some state ballots also had questions relating compensation and tax policy looming. In that regard, voters were apparently feeling generous. Initiative 433 on the Nebraska ballot was approved and provides for a $15 per hour minimum wage to be phased in over the next three years. The measure passed easily with 62% of voters in…
Read More »Advocates of increasing the Ohio minimum wage refined and then resubmitted their petition to be put on the Ohio ballot. Raise the Wage Ohio had initially submitted the petition to increase the state minimum wage to $10.50 per hour in 2025 and then incrementally through 2028 at which point it would be $15 per hour.…
Read More »It seems the closer the midterm elections get, the more “business-friendly” some elected officials become. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a prime and recent example. It seems Governor Whitmer, who has long been a proponent of increasing minimum wages in the Wolverine State, is now urging caution over reinstating a $12 minimum wage. The Michigan…
Read More »We’ve emphasized in this space before the importance of getting out to vote and that elections do indeed have consequences. As the 2022 midterm elections come into greater focus, it’s important to take a look around at some of the ballot initiatives that voters will be deciding in a few weeks. On many topics, Illinois…
Read More »With inflation continuing unbridled at record-setting levels, its impact on minimum wages across the nation is becoming clearer with each week. As we’ve advised in the past, and as recently as only two weeks ago, those states and local communities that tethered minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index. Unfortunately, there are more increases…
Read More »With just over one month remaining until the critical November mid-term elections, there are a number of ballot initiatives going before voters in different locales that warrant watching. Restaurant workers along with the city’s Mayor have again come out strongly against an initiative in Portland Maine. Known as Question D, the initiative would raise the…
Read More »Although it won’t become effective for a few more months, be advised that earlier this summer, Illinois enacted amendments to the Child Bereavement Leave Act, expanding the law’s scope and renaming it the “Family Bereavement Leave Act” (FBLA). The amendments are effective January 1, 2023, and they: (1) expand the definition of family members covered…
Read More »