Yesterday was an historic day for the Seattle City Council where they unanimously approved a raise in the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
This raise now places Seattle at the highest minimum wage of any major city in the country.
The phase in period will begin on April 1, 2015 and will be implemented using the following framework:
- Small businesses (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) will reach a $15 per hour minimum wage in seven years.
- A temporary compensation responsibility of $15 per hour is to be met within the first five years.
- Large businesses (businesses with 500 or more employees, either in Seattle or nationally) will reach $15 per hour in three years.
- The wages of employees who receive health care benefits will reach $15 per hour in four years.
- Trainees will receive a lower wage.
“Today symbolizes a beginning, not an end. It is about promises to keep, not promises kept. Today is not about any single politician or individual or group. It is about the people of Seattle coming together to make a profound difference to the lives of Seattle workers,” says Mayor Ed Murray.
However, all were not happy with the result of the vote. According to KIRO 7, upon hearing the news the International Franchise Association President and CEO reported that a lawsuit would be filed against the “unfair and discriminatory Seattle minimum wage plan.”
Mayor Ed Murray is set to sign the legislation this afternoon in the courtyard outside the Cal Anderson Park shelter house.
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
I guess I’ll have to start asking for higher education and skill levels when I hire folks. Sorry high-school-diploma-only folks.
This city council is an embarrassment to common sense thinkers and how can nine people make the decision on this. Let the lawsuits begin, and they will as this needs to go to the vote of the People!!!
Why? You’re against anybody making a living wage except yourselves?
“Why? You’re against anybody making a living wage except yourselves?”
You earn your salary through education, skills, motivation and hard work (all four). It’s not handed to you on a silver platter.
“Why? You’re against anybody making a living wage except yourselves?”
You earn your salary through education, skills, motivation and hard work (all four). It’s not handed to you on a silver platter.
Ha! Emtitled = entitled.
Siri and big thumbs, but I’d accept a demotion for such a typo.
This is just updating the minimum wage so everyone can afford a basic one-bedroom, utilities, and health care. Historical data shows the economy will handle it just fine (http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023116005_wageimpactsxml.html). I’m proud of Seattle for setting the example to ease people’s fears and show this is ultimately a very good thing for society.