BOSTON — Voters in Massachusetts will decide five voting issues Tuesday, including the ballot measure trade union rights for taxi company drivers such as Uber and Lyft.
Other questions would allow the use of certain plant-based psychedelicseliminate the use of statewide testing as a high school graduation requirement and gradually increase the minimum hourly wage for tip-collecting workers.
Drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors who do not have the right to unionize under federal law.
The proposal would allow them to unite in the state. Drivers would not be required to participate. Individual companies could band together to form associations to represent their interests in negotiations.
As part of the measure, the state would have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal would also create a hearing when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.
Unions pushed for change, despite a settlement announced in June by the attorney general’s office guaranteeing that Uber and Lyft drivers earn a minimum wage of $32.50 per hour.
Opponents say the measure will raise prices for motorcyclists without directly benefiting drivers. Critics also argued that the demand would create what they call “a new radical employment category” that violates federal labor law. They say the drivers already receive benefits, including the higher hourly rate and paid sick and medical leave.
The proposal would gradually increase how much employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as waiters at restaurants.
The state wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 per hour the minimum hourly wage for most other employees is $15. If an employee doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring them up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Under the proposal, employers would have to pay tipped workers $9.60 on January 1. On January 1, 2029, employers would have to pay them the full state minimum wage.
Supporters believed that tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages. Critics said the proposal would reduce overall wages for servers, raise costs for restaurants, raise the price of dining out and could force some neighborhood restaurants to close.
The ballot would allow residents aged 21 and older to vote to grow and use plant-based psychedelics in certain circumstances, making it the third state to legalize some mind-altering drugs considered illegal by the federal government.
Psychedelics include two psychedelics that occur in so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ – psilocybin and psilocyn – and three from plants – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.
The measure would allow the substances to be purchased from approved locations for use under the supervision of a recognized facilitator. Although retail sales would be banned, individuals would be able to grow and share psychedelics at home.
The proposal would allow for the regulation and taxation of psychedelics and create a five-member commission to oversee the industry.
Critics warned that this could lead to a black market. They also argued that the centers would not be stopped from giving psychedelics to people considered high risk, such as people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Massachusetts students must pass extensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The ballot issue would not take away the tests, but passing them would no longer be required for graduation.
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are given in math, science and technology, and English.
Instead of passing the tests, students would be required to complete courses certified by the local school district and meet the state’s academic standards for the subjects.
Teachers unions are among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching to the test” limits their ability to give students a more complete education.
Proponents of the tests argued that without the testing requirement, school districts will have lower standards so students can graduate. They said it is unfair to award degrees to students who are not ready.
The proposal would give the state auditor the authority to audit the Massachusetts Legislature — a ballot question led by state auditor Diana DiZoglio, who served in both the state House and Senate.
DiZoglio argued that the Legislature is the only state entity that refuses to be audited, is one of the least transparent in the country and is one of the few to exempt itself from public records laws.
Critics said the question would violate the separation of powers enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution.
They also argued that giving DiZoglio and her successors the power to control the Legislature would turn them into “political actors” with undue influence over the legislative process. Legislative leaders have called the proposed audit unnecessary.