Minimum wage

The region’s unaffordability problem persists, but activists say its record-high pay floor has been a success as they push for similar wage increases in Tacoma and Olympia.

The new law took effect last month, but Measure 1, if passed, would reduce exceptions for smaller businesses and carveouts for tips and benefits

The new year brings expanded paid sick leave, protections for Seattle app-based workers, more safety regulations and additional rules of the road.

At $16.66 per hour, Washington will again have the highest state level minimum wage in the country. But some advocates say that’s still not enough.

Internal emails, interviews and in-app messages show Uber and Lyft deployed a powerful lobbying playbook to stop minimum wage laws in Minnesota. But drivers had a playbook of their own.

Community members have raised concerns about councilmembers’ ties to the restaurant and hospitality industry ahead of a vote that would rollback a minimum wage law for app delivery drivers.

After a new minimum wage law for gig delivery drivers took effect, apps like DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats raised customer fees. Now Seattle City Council is considering revisions to the law.

Washington state rideshare drivers might be among the best paid in the country, but the drivers, many of whom are low-income immigrants, remain concerned about money and safety.

The Washington Hospitality Association and the Washington Food Industry Association are among those who have contributed to a new PAC opposing a minimum wage proposal in Renton, Wash.

Washington state’s minimum wage will increase 54 cents to $16.28 an hour next year. The 3.37% increase is a cost-of-living adjustment based on the federal Consumer Price Index.