Mayor Tim Keller, Ward 6 Councilwoman Nichole Rogers, Ward 7 Councilwoman Tammy Fiebelkorn and local stakeholders have joined forces to stress the importance of modernizing Albuquerque’s minimum wage ordinance so that workers are not left behind. The city has introduced legislation that, as currently written, would ensure that Albuquerque’s minimum wage adjusts and increases in line with costs.

“We stand by the workers and fight to ensure that the people who serve food also get something to eat on the table,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Especially now, when prices are a burden for all of us, it is important that we stand by the workers and do not make politics with people’s wallets.”

There have already been attempts by some council members to go in the opposite direction and cut wages for service workers who receive tips, such as waiters and bartenders, to take money out of the pockets of employees and families who rely on these jobs. There have also been calls to withdraw the proposal. The city is asking people to speak out and urge the council to pass the bill as is, without changes that would put working families in limbo.

“It’s about securing our minimum wage and strengthening enforcement so that workers take home the wages they deserve,” said City Councilor Nichole Rogers“That’s why we introduced this bill and we would like to see it passed as is to help us protect our city’s workers.”

“Frontline workers are very important to our community and we want them to know that we support them,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn“We know that making ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult, and now more than ever we need to support hardworking families and protect their wages.”