Tacoma’s Minimum Wage Rules Finalized

Tacoma will host Public Information Sessions in Downtown Tacoma Public Library on Jan. 20 and 21 for finalized minimum wage rules.

After a public process that included four meetings to solicit community feedback, Tacoma’s minimum wage rules are now final and available HERE.  These rules will guide the implementation of Initiative Measure No. 1B, which was approved by Tacoma voters in November 2015.

Initiative Measure No. 1B called for the Tacoma minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date as the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

There will be two public information sessions in the Downtown Tacoma Public Library (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room) for employers and other community members who wish to learn more about both minimum wage and paid leave:

Wednesday, Jan. 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21
2 – 3 p.m.

Information on both minimum wage and paid leave is also available by calling (253) 591-5306 or visiting HERE.

Deadline for Public Comment on Draft Minimum Wage Rules and Minimum Wage Workplace Notice Set for Dec. 18

A deadline of Friday, Dec. 18 has been set for public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice.

Initiative Measure 1B, which passed last month, called for the minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would then increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

Public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice can be submitted at one of the two remaining public meetings:

• Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 - 11 a.m.

Both public meetings will take place at the Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room, Tacoma 98402). Those who are unable to attend a public meeting can send comments or questions HERE.

More information is available HERE.

Tacoma Anticipates Passage of $12/Hr & Begins Rulemaking Process

Early reports indicate Initiative Measure 1B has been likely approved by voters. The City of Tacoma is beginning a public process now to develop rules and regulations.

Although the results have not officially been certified, early reports indicate that Tacoma voters likely approved Initiative Measure 1B on election day, increasing the minimum wage for most employees who work more than 80 hours per year within Tacoma city limits.  Initiative Measure 1B requires employers to phase-in a minimum wage of $12 per hour over two years, adjusted annually thereafter by the rate of inflation.

Initiative Measure 1B calls for the minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date of the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would then increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

Because the effective date of Initiative Measure 1B is in early 2016, the City of Tacoma is beginning a public process now to develop the rules and regulations that will guide implementation of the new law once it is certified by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office.  Draft rules will be posted HERE for public review as soon as possible.

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming public hearing to learn more and share feedback. These four upcoming public hearings will all take place at the Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room):

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 - 11 a.m.

More information, as well as the option to subscribe to email updates, is available HERE.

VOTE TODAY

VOTE TODAY. Ballots due to drop off locations or voting centers HERE by 8:00 p.m. today, or postmarked today.

Resource for you:  Tacoma-Pierce Co. Vote for Business Guide HERE.

Chamber Endorses Initiative 1B

In this year’s general election, the outcome of Initiative 1 regarding the status of the minimum wage in Tacoma has the power to drastically impact businesses starting as soon as December 4^th of this year. 

If a raise in the minimum wage in Initiative 1 are approved by the voters, an unprecedented and risky minimum wage increase of either $15 or $12 will go into effect just four weeks following the election.

After careful consideration, the Chamber has endorsed voting for Initiative 1B, a plan that will phase in a minimum wage increase to $12 over the course of two years. This plan allows everyone to adjust to an increase in the minimum wage in a way that will both benefit workers and will not overwhelm businesses.

While raising the minimum wage or not should be a straightforward question, the structure of this year’s ballot has the potential to confuse voters. Initiative 1 is broken into two parts. First, voters will be asked whether or not a minimum wage increase should take place at all. Second, voters will be asked, if a minimum wage increase were to take place, whether they would support Initiative 1, an increase of the minimum wage to $15 immediately, or Initiative 1B, an increase of the minimum wage to $12 over two years.

Even if voters wanted to oppose an increase in the minimum wage altogether and vote no on the first question and ignore the second question, a minimum wage increase will still take place if a majority vote “yes” on part one.  That is why it is imperative, even if voters oppose an increase in the minimum wage, they also vote “yes” on 1B to ensure that the most appropriate increase in minimum wage for Tacoma is enacted.

The Chamber encourages, that whether you vote “yes” or “no” on raising the minimum wage, vote 1B, the Tacoma sized solution.

Voters’ Guide for Business Now Available

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s third Voters’ Guide for Business is now available online for all voters and businesses concerned with how candidates’ views align with the best business and economic interests of Tacoma.

The Voters’ Guide for Business includes the responses, or lack thereof, to a Chamber produced survey from candidates in 35 contested races throughout the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s service area.  The Guide also includes the Chamber’s position on ballot initiatives that will directly influence job growth, businesses, and the overall health of the economy in Pierce County.

This year’s election is filled with candidates and initiatives that have the ability to influence issues regarding taxes, regulations, incentives, and the general business climate for years to come.  We encourage any voters concerned with the future of Tacoma’s economy to read and share our Guide, compare the candidates’ positions on important issues with your own preferences, and most importantly, keep them in mind while casting your ballot in the coming weeks.

Volunteers for Voter's Pamphlet Statements

The City Clerk's Office is seeking volunteers to serve on committees to prepare statements "for" and "against" the following measures in order to comply with the requirements for RCW 29A.32.280:

City of Tacoma Initiative Measure No. 1B
Initiative Measure No. 1B is an alternative the City Council has proposed to the Citizen Petition Initiative No. 1 regarding minimum wage in the City of Tacoma.

Citizen Petition Initiative Measure No. 2
Initiative Measure No. 2 is an amendment to the City Charter relating to a change in the form of government and other organization changes.

City of Tacoma Proposition No. 3
Proposition No. 3 is a property tax levy rate and gross earnings tax increase for street improvements.

Governing Board of the Tacoma Transportation Benefit District Proposition No. 4
Proposition No. 4 imposes a sales and use tax to fund street improvements.

Each of the measures will be on the General Election ballot of Tuesday, November 3, 2015. The statements prepared by these committees will appear in the Voters' Pamphlet. Statements are due on or before August 7, 2015 and rebuttal statements are due August 11, 2015.

To be considered, please submit a letter of interest indicating whether you are advocating "for" or "against" one of the measures, which measure(s) you would like to be considered for, your place of residence and why you would like to serve on a committee.

Letters must be received in the City Clerk's Office at 733 Market Street, Room 11, Tacoma WA 98402 or via email to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

For more information, or to read the petition language, ballot titles, and resolutions transmitting the measures to the Pierce County Auditor, please go to www.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk.

Tacoma Minimum Wage Task Force Updates

Tacoma's Minimum Wage Task Force has been meeting in earnest for the last three weeks and is starting to evaluate options on what a minimum wage increase for the City of Tacoma might look like.


At this point there are four proposal on the table that would all raise the minimum wage from anywhere of $1.33 to $5.53 or $10.80 to $15.00.  However, the timelines, costs and implementation still vary widely.


As the Task Force nears it's June 30th deadline to report back to City Council, now is the time to share your thoughts on any increases.  The task force has a single email address set up at: minimumwage@cityoftacoma.org


We encourage to share the impacts of a minimum wage to your organization.

15 Now Qualifies for Tacoma Ballot

From the Pierce County Auditors website: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/auditor

(Click on image for a LARGER view)

Email Address for Public Comment to Minimum Wage Task Force

Those wishing to submit public comment to the Minimum Wage Task Force can do so by emailing minimumwage@cityoftacoma.org.

All comments must follow the City Council’s Rules of Procedure. Per these rules, each email should: identify the author, address the Task Force as a whole, focus on the topic of minimum wage in Tacoma, and maintain courteous language. Authors that fail to comply with these rules will not have their comments submitted to the Task Force.

Comprised of 15 members and two alternates, the Minimum Wage Task Force is tasked with reviewing and discussing minimum wage alternatives in Tacoma, including alternatives to the 15 Now Initiative, and providing recommendations to the City Council by June 30, 2015.

Additional information is available at cityoftacoma.org/minimumwage. Questions can be directed to Christina Watts at (253) 591-5861.

Mayor Hears Chamber & Community, Appoints Minimum Wage Task Force

In the category of surprising, yet encouraging, a day after the Chamber sent a letter to the Mayor highlighting the need for a community task force to discuss the minimum wage, the Mayor led the City Council to establish just such a task force. 


The Chamber's letter clearly touched a nerve and brought to the fore a rumbling that could be heard throughout Tacoma - the 15 Now proposal is just too extreme for Tacoma. 


Because of the tight timeline for the Council to act if it wants to put something on the ballot, the Mayor asked councilmembers to provide names for the task force in just 3 days.


The names are now out with appointments made last Tuesday at that night's council meeting.  The people tasked with hashing out the minimum wage issue in Tacoma are:


• Kelly Chambers, owner of Visiting Angels
• Sarah Cherin, political and public policy director for United Food and Commercial Union 21
• Gregory Christopher, pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church & head of the Tacoma chapter of the NAACP
• Odette D’Aniello, owner of Celebrity Cake Studio
• Michelle Douglas, executive director for the Rainbow Center
• Liz Dunbar, executive director for Tacoma Community House
• Eric Hahn, vice president for General Plastics & a member of the Workforce Central board
• Dennis Farrow, owner of Advanced Technology Construction
• Reggie Frederick, owner of Chalet Bowl
• Jason Kinlow, owner of A Taste of Philly
• Elizabeth Lewis, a minimum-wage worker at Staff Pro & 15Now Supporter
• Ali Modarres, director of the Urban Studies at University of Washington Tacoma
• Abranna Romero Rocha, a student at Lincoln High School & 15Now Supporter
• David Strong, executive director for AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma & pastor at Greater Christ Community Church
• Brenda Wiest, legislative affairs coordinator for Teamsters 117


• Russ Heaton (alternate), owner of Doyle’s Public House• Robert Taylor (alternate), member field director for Service Employees International Union 1199


The list clearly contains more non-profit entities than anything else which should make the conversation interesting as it may focus more on how to help the least fortunate rather than how to punish people for running businesses.


We hope all members will carefully consider what the best solution for Tacoma is rather than trying to represent a narrow constituency group.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/05/12/3788115/tacoma-mayor-to-name-minimum-wage.html#storylink=cpy

Business Leaders Call For Cooperative Process For A Better Minimum Wage Solution

Tacoma business leaders are calling on Tacoma’s Mayor Marilyn Strickland to convene a citizen process to develop a compromise on the minimum wage issue. Such a process will result in an increase that respects the relative strength of the Tacoma economy.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson announced the Chamber recently commissioned a public opinion survey regarding the proposed minimum wage increase in Tacoma. He emphasized the results show it is not just the business community that is concerned about the size of the increase.

“Citizens want to see an increase in the minimum wage, but many expressed concern that a move to $15 was just too extreme #2xtreme253 and could harm our local economy,” he said. “That’s why we think it is best for everyone to develop a compromise the whole city can support.”

Pierson said if the current proposal passes and immediately increases the minimum wage to $15 an hour on January 1, 2016, it would give Tacoma the highest minimum wage in the state and the entire country. He pointed out that Seattle is increasing the minimum wage in steps over a period of four to seven years, depending on the size of the business. Currently, their minimum wage is $11 an hour.

“Many of my members could support an increase in the minimum wage, but we don’t think our economy is strong enough for an increase that is so much higher than what Seattle has today. We would like to see all the sides come together and develop a package that reflects what is best for Tacoma,” he said.

Pierson said their survey, conducted by DHM Research, shows voters in Tacoma strongly support a minimum wage increase, but they find the size of the proposed increase to $15 too extreme. He said it was clear there would be much more support for a smaller increase phased in over time.

“When polling was done in Seattle regarding the proposed move to $15 an hour, there was overwhelming support in excess of 65 percent. In Tacoma the support was below 50 percent, suggesting if there is not a compromise, there is a real chance no increase will pass. We can take the uncertainty away by building a compromise proposal that has the support of a vast majority of Tacoma residents,” he said.

Pierson added that Mayor Strickland is absolutely the right person to convene a group to forge a fair compromise.“The Mayor has universal respect and there is no question she strongly supports the working men and women who live and work in Tacoma,” he said.

Tell Your Legislators About Higher Taxes, Raising Wages and More Leave

Legislators Need to Hear from You! 

Your voice needs to be heard on the $1.5 billion in new and higher taxes, including a $570 million capital gains tax that was incorporated in the 2015-17 House operating budget unveiled Friday (HB 2224). The plan spends $38.8 billion, which represents a 13 percent increase in spending, despite state tax revenue collections projected to be $3 billion, or a 9 percent increase, for the same period.

Let your state representatives know what you think of their plan to raise taxes. Please consider testify on the budget tomorrow, March 30 at 1:30 p.m., send a letter to your House members using this link and/or comment on the 2015-17 state budget bill online at this link.

The new and increased taxes in the 2015-17 House budget include.

• A new 5 percent capital gains tax on the sales of stocks and other assets, including homes, totaling $570 million;
•  Increase B&O tax rate on services to 1.8 percent - a 20 percent increase;
•  Repeal of B&O Tax preference for travel agents;
•  Repeal of sales tax exemption for bottled water;
• Repeal of B&O Tax preference for prescription drug sellers;
• Repeal of B&O Tax preference for royalties;
• Repeal of use tax exemption for extracted fuel;
•  "Mainstreet Fairness" nexus, or collection of B&O or sales tax on Internet purchases; and
• Limit the Real Estate Excise Tax foreclosure exemption.

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has scheduled a meeting for Monday, March 30 at 11:30 AM to discuss the proposed budget. The meeting is at AWB, 1414 Cherry Street in Olympia and is available by conference call by contacting Conniegr@awb.org if you are an AWB member. 

In addition, the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee has the following items on their public hearing agenda next week. The meeting will be held in Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building, Capitol Campus, Olympia, WA.

Work Session

1.       Minimum wage.

Public Hearing

1.       HB 1355 - Increasing the minimum hourly wage to twelve dollars over four years.

2.       HB 1356 - Establishing minimum standards for sick and safe leave from employment.

3.       ESHB 1646 - Enacting the equal pay opportunity act by amending and enhancing enforcement of the equal pay act and protecting worker communications about wages and employment opportunities.

Each of these measures was passed by the House on a party line vote earlier this month. This is an excellent opportunity to contact your legislator.

UPDATE #1: 3-30-2015

1355 = Summary of Bill: The state minimum hourly wage is increased to $12 over the course of

four years, as follows:

·         beginning January 1, 2016 – $10.00;

·         beginning January 1, 2017 – $10.50;

·         beginning January 1, 2018 – $11.00;

·         beginning January 1, 2019 – $12.00; and

·         beginning January 1, 2020, and thereafter, the rate is adjusted for inflation.

1356 = Summary of Bill: Intent. A safe and sick leave law is created that applies to employees

performing services in the state, including temporary and part-time employees. Employees

accrue and are entitled to use and carry over unused leave based on employer size.

Employers with four or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees are exempt.

·         Tier 1 employers have more than four and fewer than 50 FTEs.

·         Tier 2 employers have 50 to fewer than 250 FTEs.

·         Tier 3 employers have 250 or more FTEs.

Paid sick and safe leave requirements do not apply to any employees covered by a bona fide

collective bargaining agreement to the extent the requirements are expressly waived in clear

and unambiguous terms.

Employer Tier	Hours worked to accrue hour of leave	Hour use per year	Carry-over
Tier 1	40	40	40
Tier 2	40	56	56
Tier 3	30	72	72

UPDATE #2: 3-30-2015

State Representative	Emails	District	Legislative Assistant	Email
Rep. Michelle Caldier	michelle.caldier@leg.wa.gov	26	Alexis Guse	alexis.guse@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Jake Fey	fey.jake@leg.wa.gov	27	My-Le Tang	myle.tang@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Carol Gregory	gregory.carol@leg.wa.gov	30	Meredith Rafferty	meredith.rafferty@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Graham Hunt	hunt.graham@leg.wa.gov	2	Barb Peters	barb.peters@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Christopher Hurst	hurst.christopher@leg.wa.gov	31	Caitlin Lopez	caitlin.lopez@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Laurie Jinkins	jinkins.laurie@leg.wa.gov	27	Lynda Foster	lynda.foster@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Christine Kilduff	christine.kilduff@leg.wa.gov	28	Osta Davis	osta.davis@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Steve Kirby	kirby.steve@leg.wa.gov	29	Chistel Mason-Gillespie	chistel.mason.gillespie@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Linda Kockmar	kochmar.linda@leg.wa.gov	30	Joseph Atkinson	joseph.atkinson@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Dick Muri	dick.muri@leg.wa.gov	28	Matt Helder	matt.helder@leg.wa.gov
Rep. David Sawyer	sawyer.david@leg.wa.gov	29	Olgy Diaz	olgy.diaz@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Melanie Stambaugh	melanie.stambaugh@leg.wa.gov	25	Shelbi Hogenson	shelbi.hogenson@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Drew Stokesbary	drew.stokesbary@leg.wa.gov	31	Joel Baxter	joel.baxter@leg.wa.gov
Rep. J.T. Wilcox	wilcox.jt@leg.wa.gov	2	Sharon Trask	sharon.trask@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Jesse Young	young.jesse@leg.wa.gov	26	Braedon Wilkerson	braedon.wilkerson@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Hans Zeiger	zeiger.hans@leg.wa.gov	25	Sarah Pollock	sarah.pollock@leg.wa.gov

Your lawmakers need to hear from you and your opinion on these measures. Please contact Tom Pierson or Gary Brackett  at the Chamber with questions or specific concerns. 

2015 WorkWell Awards Designees Announced

WorkWell Award designees were recognized Friday, February 13, at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Chamber Luncheon Featuring: WorkWell Awards – A Celebration of the Healthy Workplace event held at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Ave.,Tacoma, Wash., 98402.

While the luncheon focused on the WorkWell program awards, which recognizes local employers who made a commitment to three designated areas of healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free, there were also presentations on the recently passed City of Tacoma Mandatory Paid Time Off ordinance and information surrounding the Minimum Wage discussion.  

Andy Cherullo, Finance Director for the City of Tacoma and David Schroedel of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, spoke on the Mandatory Paid Time Off Ordinance recently approved by the City of Tacoma.  Bruce Beckett, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington Restaurant Association presented information regarding current discussions around the issue of Minimum Wage.

The Chamber celebrated the strides Pierce County businesses took to make health and wellness a priority in their work place through three levels of recognition: Gold, Silver and Bronze WorkWell Awards as well as the WorkWell Happy Heart Achievement Award which highlighted an organization’s policies, programs and/or activities that supports employee health and well-being.

AHBL, Inc., Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington, MultiCare Health System and Nisqually Red Wind Casino were recognized as Happy Heart Achievement designees.

Gold designees AHBL, Inc., Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington, MultiCare Health System, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Tacoma Community House and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department implemented changes to all three workforce health categories: healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free.

Silver designee Rapport Benefits Group implemented changes to two of the three workforce health categories.

In addition, the Active Transportation Advocate Award, sponsored by Downtown: On the Go! was presented to MultiCare Health System.  The award recognizes an organization that provides encouragement and incentives to their employees for using active transportation.