BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Jackie Cook has worked as a waitress for more than a decade.
She considers herself a career server.
You'd think she'd be thrilled about an increase to the minimum wage. But just the opposite is true.
"I just feel it's unnecessary," Cook said.
Initiative 1 on Bellingham's November ballot would raise the minimum wage a dollar an hour for workers in the city to $17.28 in 2024 and at least $18.28 in 2025.
Community First Whatcom put the initiative on the ballot.
Organizers said wages are not coming close to keeping up with the cost of living.
They believe their request for a couple of dollars more an hour is modest -- especially for someone hoping to afford a one-bedroom apartment in the city.
"A full-time worker would have to make $26.00 an hour," said the organization's Betsy Purnotto. "Our proposal doesn't come close to that."
Opponents, however, argue a wage hike would either be passed on to customers, worsening inflation, or come at the cost of workers in the form of fewer shifts or jobs.
"So, this is not a solution," said Kerri Lonergan-Dreke, CEO of Lombardi's restaurant in Bellingham.
She believes we are caught in an "inflation spiral" and higher wages won't help.
"Servers earn well over minimum wage," Lonergan-Dreke said. "We're not helping those who are truly earning minimum wage to get ahead. The best way to get ahead is to get training for the many higher paying positions that remain unfilled in our community."
A 2021 University of Washington study found "No evidence to suggest…Seattle's (increased) minimum wage lowered the overall level of earnings inequality…."
With Washington state paying the highest minimum wage in the nation, the table is now set for voters to decide Bellingham's future.
"I think we would see a lot more smaller operations and locally loved businesses in Bellingham close," Lonergan-Dreke said.
"Businesses always say the sky is falling when wages go up," Pernotto said. "Washington state has the highest minimum wage in the country and we have a booming economy."
If approved by Bellingham voters, the new minimum wage would go into effect on May 1.