Statewide minimum wage/paid sick leave initiative filed

[eridani]

http://www.eoionline.org/blog/statewide-minimum-wagepaid-sick-leave-initiative-filed/

Proponents of raising Washington’s minimum wage and expanding sick leave for low income and working families across Washington today filed a citizen initiative for the 2016 ballot. The coalition, represented by workers, union members, faith leaders and others, submitted legislation to the Secretary of State’s Office that would raise Washington’s minimum wage incrementally to $13.50 and provide opportunities to earn up to seven days of paid sick and safe leave per year for employees who currently lack that benefit through their employer.

This incremental phase-in over four years would raise the minimum wage to $11 (2017), $11.50 (2018), $12 (2019), and $13.50 (2020). It ensures that working families can earn paid sick and safe leave -­‐ earning 1 hour for every 40 hours worked — so that workers can take care of themselves and their family when sick without fear of being fired or losing a day’s wage.

“This initiative will expand opportunity for tens of thousands of Washington families and low wage workers and put them on the path toward self-­sufficiency,” said Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle. “For many this will mean no longer choosing between rent and childcare, between food and transportation. When we raise the minimum wage, we lift people out of poverty, and reduce dependence on social services and government programs. It’s how we build a pathway to the middle class.”

[Wounded Bear]

1. Sounds good...

and fuck you Tim Eyman (since his initiative was shot down by a judge recently).