Perhaps is is a matter of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
Or, rather, perhaps it is a matter of trying to establish a way of standardizing a haphazard approach to wages in the State of Washington.
Whatever the case may be, the Washington Reastaurant Association has done an about face and now supports raising the minimum wage across the entire state.

The hospitality industry in Washington state is improving. And local restaurants are finding ways to embrace big changes. With the passage of the minimum wage increase in Seattle, many of the city’s restaurants are making significant changes to their business models that have garnered media attention. Now, restaurants are announcing another change.

The Washington Restaurant Association supports raising the minimum wage statewide in a responsible manner. Local government leaders agree that it’s time to address this important issue in a thoughtful bipartisan manner at the state level.

The Washington Restaurant Association supports raising the minimum wage statewide in a responsible manner. Local government leaders agree that it’s time to address this important issue in a thoughtful bipartisan manner at the state level.

“We are in support of an increase in minimum wage done the right way. We have learned through local discussions that there are ways to support neighborhood restaurants and raise compensation for employees,” said Anthony Anton, Washington Restaurant Association president and CEO. “However, our state now has multiple different minimum wages with the likelihood of many more to come. It’s creating a checkerboard of wage laws that are difficult on everyone. We are looking for a positive state-wide solution. Restaurants are calling for local and state lawmakers to join together to find an answer.”

Currently, Washington state’s minimum wage is $9.47 per hour. Since 1998, it has increased annually, based on the national consumer price index. But in Seattle and SeaTac, the minimum wage is already higher. Voters just spoke on ballot proposals to increase wages in Spokane and Tacoma. As a result, Tacoma’s minimum wage will increase over time to $12 an hour.

“The City of Tacoma has had robust debates about paid sick leave and minimum wage. My City Council colleagues and I believe these important issues need solutions at the state level,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “Statewide policies will benefit workers across the entire state and provide certainty and efficiency for businesses. This will eliminate confusion for consumers and taxpayers because it will allow one organization to enforce and administer the law, instead of dozens of cities setting up a patchwork of regulatory programs. I urge the Legislature to address these issues in its upcoming session, and help uplift workers”

City governments realize that restaurants are vital to communities and local economies. When it comes to wages, restaurant owners, employees and customers are in a symbiotic relationship. Neighborhood restaurants are a pipeline of entry into the workforce, and protecting starting jobs is critical. Restaurants are also the new family dining room. Finding a solution that works for businesses, employees, and customers is key for the health of a city.

Read the rest here.
Image credit.

Perhaps is is a matter of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”
Or, rather, perhaps it is a matter of trying to establish a way of standardizing a haphazard approach to wages in the State of Washington.
Whatever the case may be, the Washington Reastaurant Association has done an about face and now supports raising the minimum wage across the entire state.

The hospitality industry in Washington state is improving. And local restaurants are finding ways to embrace big changes. With the passage of the minimum wage increase in Seattle, many of the city’s restaurants are making significant changes to their business models that have garnered media attention. Now, restaurants are announcing another change.

The Washington Restaurant Association supports raising the minimum wage statewide in a responsible manner. Local government leaders agree that it’s time to address this important issue in a thoughtful bipartisan manner at the state level.

The Washington Restaurant Association supports raising the minimum wage statewide in a responsible manner. Local government leaders agree that it’s time to address this important issue in a thoughtful bipartisan manner at the state level.

“We are in support of an increase in minimum wage done the right way. We have learned through local discussions that there are ways to support neighborhood restaurants and raise compensation for employees,” said Anthony Anton, Washington Restaurant Association president and CEO. “However, our state now has multiple different minimum wages with the likelihood of many more to come. It’s creating a checkerboard of wage laws that are difficult on everyone. We are looking for a positive state-wide solution. Restaurants are calling for local and state lawmakers to join together to find an answer.”

Currently, Washington state’s minimum wage is $9.47 per hour. Since 1998, it has increased annually, based on the national consumer price index. But in Seattle and SeaTac, the minimum wage is already higher. Voters just spoke on ballot proposals to increase wages in Spokane and Tacoma. As a result, Tacoma’s minimum wage will increase over time to $12 an hour.

“The City of Tacoma has had robust debates about paid sick leave and minimum wage. My City Council colleagues and I believe these important issues need solutions at the state level,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “Statewide policies will benefit workers across the entire state and provide certainty and efficiency for businesses. This will eliminate confusion for consumers and taxpayers because it will allow one organization to enforce and administer the law, instead of dozens of cities setting up a patchwork of regulatory programs. I urge the Legislature to address these issues in its upcoming session, and help uplift workers”

City governments realize that restaurants are vital to communities and local economies. When it comes to wages, restaurant owners, employees and customers are in a symbiotic relationship. Neighborhood restaurants are a pipeline of entry into the workforce, and protecting starting jobs is critical. Restaurants are also the new family dining room. Finding a solution that works for businesses, employees, and customers is key for the health of a city.

Read the rest here.
Image credit.