Dear Friend,

Yesterday, the DC Council voted to repeal Initiative 82.

Councilmembers Christina Henderson and Charles Allen introduced a last-minute amendment to overturn the will of DC voters and keep our city's tipped workers stuck under the unfair tipped wage system. Seven members in total voted for this repeal, choosing to block any wage increase in 2025, reduce future wage increases to less than a dollar a year, and restrict I-82 from ever reaching full implementation by capping it at 75%. They did this behind closed doors, in the budget, without a public hearing—and workers will suffer the consequences.

We are furious. DC voters already spoke when they passed Initiative 82 with overwhelming support. Tipped workers have testified, rallied, and organized for years. And yet, once again, a majority of the Council chose to ignore them.

But five Councilmembers stood with us and voted against the repeal:

• Janeese Lewis George
• Brianne Nadeau
• Zachary Parker
• Matthew Frumin
• Robert White

They stood with workers. Let's thank them.

Their votes were courageous—and we need them to know that workers and voters have their back.

The fight is not over. But today, we make it clear: we see who's fighting for workers and who's not.

In solidarity,

Eduarda Serafim

Solidarity Organizer

DC Jobs With Justice