What our neighborhood servants are saying after the Michigan Supreme Court ruling

• On July 31, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the minimum wage will increase starting next year in February 2025.
• Local business owners say restaurants may have to do some restructuring when the time comes.
• The video shows the Summerlands servers in Holt up and running on Monday.

(The full transcript of the broadcast is included below)

Last week, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the minimum wage will increase for tipped workers in our neighborhoods. Local servers who rely on their tips say they are concerned that people will not tip as much or not at all.

“I started doing it when I was 18,” Jennifer Junk said.

Jennifer Junk has worked as a waitress her entire life.

“Personally, I have never had any problems earning a good salary.”

But after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled late last week, minimum wage laws will change starting in February 2025.

“I usually make between $18 and $25 an hour when I’m working regularly. So on a normal day, that’s what you’re making. Going from that to $12 is a huge difference.”

Junk is concerned about rising menu prices. If prices go up, locals may be less likely to eat out.

“I’m a single mother, so I take care of my children by serving. That way, I might not be able to do it.”

The Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling in a 2018 case said a legislative action that prevented a gradual increase in the minimum wage was unconstitutional.

“I understand why they want everyone to earn a fair wage.”

Tipped workers will go from earning just under $4 an hour plus tips to $10.33 an hour, and the tipped minimum wage will eventually disappear in 2029.

Server Omar Viera says he understands why it could be a good thing.

“They will have a reliable income instead of the ups and downs of the service industry,” said Omar Viera.

Brian Hunt, a business owner in Summerlands, says his main concern is what this will mean for the service industry and whether locals will continue to tip waiters.

“Waiters are compensated, they depend on those tips,” Brian Hunt said.

Hunt also says this could change the entire service industry, as owners may have to change menu prices.

“I’m a little concerned about the impact it could have on the industry as a whole,” Hunt said.

The question remains whether residents will continue to tip their waiters after this measure comes into effect.

“We hope people reciprocate and know that we still work for tips,” Viera said.

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