Seattle council passes $15 minimum wage

Seattle council has voted unanimously to raise the city’s minimum wage to the highest level of any major US city – $15 per hour, twice the national minimum.

Wages would begin to rise next year, ultimately reaching $15 from Washington state’s minimum of $9.32 over three to seven years, depending on the business.

A councilor who supported the push said the vote “sends a message heard around the world”.

US minimum wage is $7.25, although 38 states have set higher levels.

The states of California, Connecticut and Maryland have recently passed laws increasing their respective wages to $10 or more in coming years.

Seattle council has voted unanimously to raise the city’s minimum wage to $15

Nationally, President Barack Obama has called for a $10.10 federally-mandated minimum wage, which would require action by the divided Congress.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray had run for election to the city’s top office on the issue, and the election of a socialist councilor also provided pressure.

The proposal came out of an advisory group of labor, business and non-profit representatives organized by Ed Murray.

Under the plan, companies with more than 500 employees nationally will be given at least three years to phase in the increase, those who provide health insurance subsidies would get four years and smaller businesses would be given seven years.

Some local businesses have come out in support of the measure, but a group of restaurant owners oppose it, saying it would force them to cut back on new recruits and service hours.

A lobbying group said shortly after the measure passed it would sue because the varied phase-in time was unfair.

“The suit will seek to overturn the unfair and discriminatory minimum wage plan that was approved by the City Council,” the International Franchise Association (IFA) said in a statement.

Last year, the nearby tiny town of SeaTac, which holds Seattle’s airport, passed a $15 minimum wage. As a result, some 6,300 workers at SeaTac’s airport, would be paid the highest minimum wage in the nation.

San Francisco was previously the highest hourly wage for a large US city at $10.74.

Clyde K. Valle

Clyde is a business graduate interested in writing about latest news in politics and business. He enjoys writing and is about to publish his first book. He’s a pet lover and likes to spend time with family. When the time allows he likes to go fishing waiting for the muse to come.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago