Seattle workers made history when we passed the nation's first citywide $15 minimum wage.
Now we made a book too.
It's fifteen stories from fifteen workers about their jobs, their lives, their struggles, and the movement they sparked.
Read MoreWhen even the lobby group for big retailers says we need a raise...
What do you think it will take?
Workers show support for strong enforcement at public hearing
Workers spoke up at Wednesday's city budget hearing to voice their concern that the budget underfunds outreach efforts needed to make $15 a reality for all.
Read More"It's unbecoming"
How much have fast food strikes and other efforts changed the national conversation on poverty wage jobs & the economy? The incoming head of the National Retail Federation said he's in favor of raising the minimum wage:
“I’m working, frankly, to get the NRF to maybe moderate its view on that,” he said. “It’s unbecoming to speak out against raising the minimum wage.”
Workers from all over are taking action for better wages, this guy just happened to cc 200,000 of his coworkers at the same time.
Seattle took a great first step passing $15, but what else needs to be done to make the city affordable?
$15 minimum wage doesn't slow huge investments at Sea-Tac
Alaska Airlines sunk thousands of dollars into the campaign to try and defeat SeaTac Proposition 1 in 2013 and keep the $15 minimum wage, paid sick leave, and other labor standards out of Sea-Tac Airport. When voters cast their ballots to lift up poverty-wage airport workers and boost the local economy, Alaska then sunk untold dollars into a lawsuit to prevent Proposition 1 from taking effect at our airport.
As that case awaits a decision from the State Supreme Court, Alaska just announced they are spending a half billion dollars on new planes. This comes not long after the announcement of a new $1 billion upgrade to Sea-Tac Airport itself — paid for by the airlines and other airport tenants.
Sure doesn't seem like the potential for higher wages is holding back investment, does it?
