State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom and his House Republican colleagues have announced they are not voting on any more bills until House Democrats prioritize policies to save the jobs of tipped restaurant servers and bartenders and fix a convoluted and burdensome sick leave law.

Despite Republicans’ calls for action, House Democrats refuse to put tipped wage or sick leave legislation up for a vote, instead passing far-left priorities with only Democrat votes during a long legislative session day on Dec. 13.

“Michigan families and small businesses can’t afford for Democrats to keep ignoring the real challenges they’re facing,” said VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores. “Restaurant workers want to keep their tips, and small business owners need clear, manageable policies. House Republicans are ready to deliver solutions, but we need Democrats to step up and let us vote to protect jobs and preserve the livelihoods of thousands of Michiganders.”

VanWoerkom explained that walking out and refusing to vote was a last resort, but it was the only way Republicans could force Democrats to the negotiating table.

“When we’re locked out of the conversation, we’re left with no other option,” VanWoerkom said. “Our constituents expect us to fight for them, and this was the only way to get Democrats to pay attention to the serious concerns of workers and small business owners across Michigan.”

Without legislative intervention, the hospitality industry faces mass layoffs and business closures early in 2025. Also in early 2025, all businesses will have to comply with new, vague earned sick time mandates that could strip workers of more generous paid time off policies. But instead of focusing on these pressing issues, Democrats continue to prioritize leftist policies like letting criminals out of jail, giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and raising fees across the state.

As a restaurant owner, VanWoerkom has firsthand knowledge about how devastating these changes will be for workers and other business owners. He’s also heard nearly 100 local restaurant owners, small business owners, workers, and constituents, who are deeply concerned about layoffs, closures, and the loss of the tipping system that helps their employees earn well above minimum wage.

A recent survey by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association illustrates the dire consequences of letting the radical changes imposed by the Michigan Supreme Court stand:

• 66% of restaurant owners say they would be forced to lay off employees.
• 20% would be forced to shut their doors.
• 42% would be forced to cut operating hours.
• More than 92% of restaurants would be forced to hike prices, with many anticipating increases of 20% to 25% by early 2025.

Another survey found that 82% of Michigan restaurant servers wanted to keep the tipping system in place, and 79% worried about losing their job with the tip credit eliminated.

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