Voters in Massachusetts are considering ballot questions on union rights, wages and psychedelics

BOSTON (AP) — Voters in Massachusetts will decide five ballot questions Tuesday, including donation Trade union rights for drivers of ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft.

Other questions would allow the use of certain plant-based psychedelicsEliminate the use of statewide testing as a requirement for high school graduation and gradually increase the minimum hourly wage for tip-collecting workers.

Allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize

Drivers for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors who do not have the right to unionize under federal law.

The proposal would allow them to unionize in the state. Drivers would not be required to participate. Individual companies could form associations to represent their interests in negotiations.

Under the measure, the state would have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal would also establish a hearing process when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.

The unions pushed for the change, although a Settlement was announced in June from the state's attorney general's office, guaranteeing Uber and Lyft drivers a minimum wage standard of $32.50 an hour.

Opponents said the measure would raise prices for drivers without directly helping drivers. Critics also argued that the question would create a “new radical work category” that is inconsistent with federal labor laws, saying drivers already enjoy benefits including higher hourly rates and paid sick and family leave.

Increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers

The proposal would gradually increase how much employers must pay employees who collect tips, such as servers at restaurants.

The state wage for tipped workers is currently $6.75 per hour the minimum hourly wage for most other workers it is $15. Now, if an employee doesn't earn enough in tips to make $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would be required to pay $9.60 in tips to employees starting Jan. 1. Employers would have to pay them the full state minimum wage by January 1, 2029.

Proponents argued 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, increase costs for restaurants, increase the price of dining out and cause some neighborhood restaurants to close.

Legalize psychedelics

The ballot question would allow residents 21 and older Growing and using plant-based psychedelics In certain circumstances this is the case third state to legalize some mind-altering drugs considered illegal by the federal government.

The psychedelics include two found 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 at approved locations and used under the supervision of a licensed intermediary. Although it would ban retail sales, it would allow individuals to grow psychedelics at home and share them.

The proposal would allow for the regulation and taxation of psychedelics and create a five-member commission to oversee the industry.

Critics warned it could lead to a black market. They also argued that centers would not be prevented from administering psychedelics to people considered high-risk, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drop tests as a prerequisite for the Abitur

Massachusetts students must pass comprehensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The ballot question would not eliminate the exams, but passing those exams would no longer be required for graduation.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are administered in mathematics, science and technology, and English.

Instead of passing the tests, students would be required to complete coursework certified by the local school district and meet state academic standards in the subjects.

Teachers' unions have been among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching to the test” limits their ability to provide students with a more well-rounded education.

Proponents of the testing argued that without the testing requirement, school districts would impose lower standards so students could graduate. They said it was unfair to award diplomas to students who were not ready.

Allow legislative review

The proposal would give the state auditor the authority to audit Massachusetts legislation – a ballot issue spearheaded by state Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who has served in both the House and Senate.

DiZoglio argued that the Legislature is the only state body to refuse an audit, 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 audit the Legislature would make them “political actors” with undue influence over the legislative process. Lawmakers deemed the proposed audit unnecessary.