Assemblyman Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, joined members of the Restaurant Workers Association and statewide tipped-wage workers Jan. 22 to advocate against the governor’s proposal to end tipped wages in New York, a press felease from his office said.

The largest number of tipped employees are in the restaurant industry, which has cited that take-home pay for many workers would decrease and that customers would be less inclined to leave tips.

“As a strong advocate for workers rights, I will fight to ensure that the people who work these jobs have their voices heard,” said Walczyk.

The state is about to decide whether to end the tipped wage and provide workers the full minimum wage — a proposal being opposed by businesses and some in the industry.

“I have listened to the men and women who work in these industries every day and they rely on their own hard work and grit to support their families. This is a clear example of government in search of a problem; it’s ironic because the very people this proposal purports to help oppose it. I will echo your call and fight to preserve tipped wages in New York.”

In his 2018 State of the State message, Gov. Cuomo directed the state Commissioner of Labor to hold hearings on eliminating minimum wage tip credits in New York State. “In certain workplaces, such as car washes and restaurants, where wages and tips are both generally low, workers' income can rely entirely upon tips. These tips, meant as a reward for good service, instead serve as a critical wage subsidy that brings workers' wages just up to the legally mandated minimum wage,” Cuomo said. In some cases, such as those who work in nail salons and carwash shops, get paid the tipped wage, but don't make enough in tips to meet the current minimum wage. A release from his office said employers are supposed to make up the difference, but sometimes do not, advocates of the change claim.

Assemblyman Walczyk represents the 116th District, which includes parts of St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.