As King County officially certifies the landmark electoral victory for the $15 minimum wage in SeaTac today, fast food workers are already preparing the next big step forward for the $15 movement: a day-long, 8-hour march on December 5th that will trace the movement’s path from our first big victory in SeaTac to our next destination — Seattle City Hall. “Before our first strike six months ago, lots of people didn’t think a $15 minimum wage was possible,” said Jason Harvey, who works at the Ballard Burger King where he’s paid $9.19 an hour. “But SeaTac shows that it’s not just possible: $15 is necessary in order for us to survive.” The victory for Proposition 1 in SeaTac means that on January 1st, more than 6000 workers in and around our airport — including the people who work at Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s there — will be paid $15 an hour. “If SeaTac can do it, so can Seattle,” Harvey added.
Continuing unrest by low-wage workers has brought the $15 movement to the center of the political debate, and our region is leading the way forwards. Seattle mayor-elect Murray made a strong commitment during the campaign to move towards a $15 minimum wage, Councilmember-elect Sawant effectively turned her campaign into a referendum on a $15 minimum wage, and many other local elected officials have expressed support as well.
Now that the victory in SeaTac becomes official today, fast food workers and community supporters are ready to take the next steps to continue to move forward in our march to $15 and a better future for everyone.