Councilors Bassan and Grout Support Withdrawal of Proposed Minimum Wage Ordinance

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Albuquerque City Councilors support withdrawing “The Albuquerque Minimum Wage Ordinance” (C/S O-24-21) as proposed at the Council meeting on August 5th. The measure, sponsored by District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers, was postponed in a 5-4 vote after Councilor Rogers’s motions to postpone and withdraw the amended measure both failed.

The measure, as amended in the Council’s Finance and Government Committee, would ensure that the City’s Ordinance reflects the current $12.00 per hour minimum wage that is already in effect in Albuquerque, as required by the State’s New Mexico Minimum Wage statute. District 9 Councilor Renée Grout introduced an amendment to the bill that would also match the state’s minimum wage for tipped workers.

Today, District 4 Councilor Brook Bassan and District 9 Councilor Renée Grout announce their support for withdrawing the measure to give the Council time to confer with workers and the business community for a solution that would be acceptable to both sides of this issue.

“We want to work with both the business community and workers to fashion an ordinance that works for many without causing a huge problem for most,” said Councilor Bassan. “Albuquerque needs to be business friendly while also supporting our employees. One cannot work without the other if we want an inviting city with a thriving economy.”

During the Council meeting on Aug. 5, business owners expressed concerns with the measure and suggested the Council take time to hear the multiple perspectives. The measure defines the “Prevailing Minimum Wage” as distinct from “City Minimum Wage” and is not to subject to Prevailing Wage requirements established by the New Mexico Department of Labor.

“The City's current tipped minimum wage structure has created inequality in our restaurant workforce and hurt small businesses, and it's just not sustainable,” said Councilor Grout. “The Minimum Wage Ordinance needs a thorough examination to make sure it's working for employees and employers alike. I'm eager to hear from the community about how we can make this ordinance fair and equitable.”

“While the proposal to decrease the minimum wage for servers may raise concerns, viewing it to achieve a fairer distribution of wages to cooks and dishwashers is crucial.,” said Carol Wight, Chief Executive Officer of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. “This approach will encourage restaurant development, enhance job stability, and contribute to overall economic growth by bridging the wage gap between front-of-house and back-of-house employees. Striking a balance in wages is essential for the long-term sustainability and success of the restaurant industry.”