by Better Jobs for Alaskans
Alaskans vote to increase the minimum wage, secure paid sick leave, and protect worker freedom.
Ballot Measure 1, a measure to gradually raise the minimum wage, allow workers to earn paid sick leave, and protect worker freedom, is positioned for success on election night, earning 57.5% of the votes counted to date, with over 60% of precincts reporting.
“We are thrilled by the results so far,” said Ed Flanagan, Chair of Yes on 1 for Better Jobs and former Alaska Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. “This proves yet again that when workers’ rights are on the ballot, Alaskans show up. Every worker deserves fair wages, benefits, and employee protections, and I am extremely proud that our state looks to be enacting these policies.”
Ballot Measure 1 will gradually increase Alaska’s minimum wage to $13 on July 1, 2025, $14 in July 2026, and $15 in July 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, Alaska’s minimum wage will be adjusted to the annual cost of living to prevent the minimum wage from losing buying power.
The minimum wage provision of Ballot Measure 1 comes ten years after the previous 2014 initiative that overwhelmingly passed with over two-thirds support.
In addition, Ballot Measure 1 will require most private employers to allow workers to earn paid sick leave. Currently, one in four Alaska workers are not able to earn a single day of paid sick leave. Through Ballot Measure 1, workers can now accrue up to 7 days of paid sick leave if their company employs 15+ people, or 5 days a year for companies that employ less than 15 people.
Ballot Measure 1 also protects workers from being required to attend political or religious non-work-affiliated meetings by their employer.
“In the restaurant world, people come sick to work all of the time because they can’t afford not to. It’s a relief to know that I don’t have to make that choice anymore, and neither do my coworkers,” said Anchorage restaurant employee Max Gomez-Birnel.
“Alaskans no longer have to make the impossible choice of making ends meet or staying home when they’re sick. The passage of Ballot Measure 1 alleviates some of the financial stress of being sick and creates a more supportive work environment,” said Representative Genevieve Mina. “Alaskans want to take care of each other, and that shows with tonight’s results.”
Ballot Measure 1 also gained strong backing from a diverse coalition of Alaska businesses, ranging from local restaurants and retail shops to tourism and maintenance companies. The Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition represents over 130 local businesses committed to fair wages and healthy workplaces.
“I will say it again and again – Ballot Measure 1 is good for business. When you pay decent wages and provide paid time off, employees are healthier and more productive. This initiative will boost customer spending, reduce employee turnover, and help businesses and communities thrive,” said Carey Fristoe, co-owner of Black Spruce Brewing Co. in Fairbanks. “I am honored to have been just one of over 130 businesses that supported this measure.”
“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 and a member of the Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition. “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.”
The Better Jobs for Alaska campaign would like to thank every voter, volunteer, business, and community leader who championed Ballot Measure 1. These results are a testament to the collective effort of Alaskans who believe in a fairer and healthier workplace for everyone. With your help, Alaska is setting a powerful example for economic growth that prioritizes workers’ well-being and supports local businesses. Together, we are confident we will win and make Alaska a better place to work and live.
