CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079

Nov. 5, 2024 — Alaska business owners are praising the approval of Ballot Measure 1, saying raising the minimum wage and enabling workers to earn paid sick days will boost consumer spending and strengthen Alaska’s workforce, businesses and economy. Ballot Measure 1 will gradually raise the state minimum wage to $15 by 2027 and guarantee earned paid sick leave for workers. 

More than 130 businesses joined the Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition, supporting Ballot Measure 1. Business owners signed the Alaska Business for Better Jobs Statement, noting that minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as spending at local businesses. Raising the minimum and instituting paid sick leave will help reduce costly employee turnover and lead to increased productivity and better customer service.

“Ballot Measure 1 is good for both business and workers. As a small business owner, I know that paying a living wage and providing sick leave is an investment that has paid off,” said Vered Mares, owner of The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Café in Anchorage. “It means I have a more dedicated and happier staff, elevated customer service, and more genuine connections our team builds with bookstore and café customers. Being sick is bad enough – it shouldn’t determine whether you can pay rent or risk spreading illness to coworkers or customers. And when the ballot measure provides needed pay increases for workers, that pay increase will go right back into Alaska’s economy.”

“Cheers to Alaska voters for supporting Ballot Measure 1,” said Carey Fristoe, co-owner of Black Spruce Brewing Co. in Fairbanks. “Increasing the minimum wage to better reflect the high cost of living that we face in Alaska will ensure that workers can make ends meet. Fairer wages and paid sick leave will encourage workers to stay in Alaska and raise their families here. Workers who earn more money are, in turn, able to spend more money. Increasing the minimum wage will boost consumer spending at local businesses across Alaska.”

David Ottoson, owner of Rainbow Foods in Juneau, said, “With Ballot Measure 1, we’ll have healthier, more vibrant workplaces and communities. Rainbow Foods opened in 1980, and employee retention is a big factor in our success. Low turnover saves us time and money that would otherwise go to hiring and training new employees. We take care of our employees and they take great care of our customers. As a grocery store, we know how important it is that people stay home when they’re sick, without fear of missing pay.”

Tim Hemme, owner of Alaska Kayak Company in Ketchikan, said, “When businesses are underpaying their employees, it undermines our communities and our state as a whole. We need a path forward for everyone to be able to succeed here economically. Ballot Measure 1’s passage will mean more people can afford necessities and be healthier. People will be able to purchase more goods and services in our local economies. Alaskans’ overall well-being will be improved alongside Alaska’s economy.”

Derrick Green, owner of Waffles and Whatnot in Anchorage and treasurer of the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, said, “Small businesses are the vital heart of our local economy. I hear from business owners all the time who know that for their business to succeed, they need a solid customer base. More income circulating throughout our communities strengthens our customer base and our economy. And I know as a restaurant owner, it makes more sense to have better wages and low employee turnover than low wages and high turnover. Enacting Ballot Measure 1 will help our businesses and communities thrive.”

Ben Millstien, owner of Kodiak Island Brewing in Kodiak, said, “The minimum wage has not kept up with the cost of living. The economy will improve when working people are not struggling for subsistence. The minimum wage was created to be a livable wage. It’s time to reapply that standard. As the late Senator Paul Wellstone put it, ‘We all do better when we all do better.’ That’s been true in how we run our business and retain our employees. Ballot Measure 1 will help all Alaska do better.”

Alaska’s minimum wage will increase to $13 on July 1, 2025, $14 in July 2026, and $15 in July 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, there will be annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose buying power. Under the paid sick leave provisions, employees will be able to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year. Employers are also prohibited from requiring employees to attend meetings on political or religious matters unrelated to their work.

Alaska now joins Missouri, which also just passed a minimum wage/paid sick ballot measure,  and 14 other states plus D.C. who currently have a minimum wage of $15 or higher, or are phasing in increases to $15 or higher: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington State. 

To arrange an interview with a member of the Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition, please contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or (601) 832-6079.

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Alaska Business for Better Jobs is a coalition of Alaska business owners and executives who believe a fair minimum wage and earned paid sick days are good for business.