Ballot Measure 1 : Now What ?
WELCOME
Letter from the President
SARAH OATES HARLOW | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO
Ballot Measure 1 : Now What ?
On November 5 , 50-something percent of Alaskans voted to support Ballot Measure 1 which includes three completely unrelated changes to Alaska law :
• Increase of the minimum wage to $ 15 / hr by July 1 , 2027 ($ 13 in 2025 , $ 14 in 2026 , and then adjusted annually to inflation thereafter ).
• Employers will be required to provide all employees with paid sick leave .
• Employers will be prohibited from talking with their own employees about the impacts of pending legislation , ballot initiatives , or unionization on the business or employees .
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WE ARE EXPLORING WAYS TO MITIGATE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON BUSINESSES AND
Sadly , many voters voiced support for one or two components of the initiative but opposition to another , yet they were forced to vote all or nothing . The changes are scheduled to go into effect beginning July 1 , 2025 .
We at Alaska CHARR are working with our legal team and national partners to determine the best course of action moving forward . We are exploring ways to mitigate negative impacts on businesses and employees , while exploring legal options moving forward .
EMPLOYEES , WHILE EXPLORING LEGAL OPTIONS MOVING FORWARD .
One thing is immediately clear : it is critical to stand united and educate voters and lawmakers on the impacts of proposed legal changes to hospitality businesses and workforce . Alaska ’ s bars , hotels , restaurants , and retailers will be those most impacted by all components of Ballot Measure 1 . We must come together to prepare for and influence the future legal landscape for our industry .
With that , we are launching a new event – a beautiful dinner and wine pairing called The Advocacy Plate – that is possibly the most important for our industry to date . The Advocacy Plate isn ’ t just a dinner ; it ’ s your opportunity to meet with policy leaders while providing essential support and protection to Alaska hospitality businesses through Alaska CHARR ’ s new Hospitality Advocacy Fund . All proceeds from The Advocacy Plate go directly to the Fund , dedicated to support campaigns and efforts to promote helpful legal changes and fight attempts to disrupt or damage our vibrant industry .
Join us at 49th State Brewing to connect , dine , and make a difference . Together , we can amplify our efforts , ensuring that hospitality remains strong in Alaska .
Let ’ s take a stand together — because our industry depends on it .
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 3