Title
Briefing on Workers’ Bill of Rights Initiative
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on a Workers’ Bill of Rights citizen-driven initiative.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on a Workers’ Bill of Rights citizen-driven initiative.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046.
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
On June 24, 2025, the City of Olympia City Clerk received the first of two batches of petition signatures in support of a Workers' Bill of Rights initiative, led by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367.
The City Clerk’s office has transmitted all petition signatures to the Thurston County Auditor (Thurton County Elections), who expects to determine by July 15 if there are enough valid signatures to deem the initiative “sufficient.” According to Thurston County Elections, 13,764 lines were submitted for signature review. At least 5,788 valid signatures are needed (15% of the total number of registered voters at the time of the last general election) for the County to issue a certificate of sufficiency. If the petition is insufficient, the petitioners have 10 days to supply additional signatures.
If the petition is deemed sufficient, under Olympia Municipal Code, Chapter 1.16, the City Council must act within 20 days to adopt the measure or refer it to a vote of the people. In both cases, the Council cannot make any alterations to the initiative language. To appear on the November 2025 ballot, the Council must take formal action and file the ballot title with Thurston County Elections no later than August 5.
The purpose of this agenda item is to brief Council on the initiative process, and the content of the initiative. If Thurston County Elections determines the initiative has submitted the required minimum number of valid signatures, Council is scheduled to consider formal action at a regular business meeting on July 22.
Attached is the content of the initiative as received on the petition signature pages.
Climate Analysis:
There are no anticipated climate impacts associated with a briefing on a Workers’ Bill of Rights Initiative.
Equity Analysis:
A Study Session on this topic will inform the City Council of their options for responding to a citizen submitted initiative and help community members understand the process and content of the initiative.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There has been significant community interest in the content of a Workers’ Bill of Rights.
Financial Impact:
Thurston County Elections projects the cost to the City to include the Workers’ Bill of Rights on the November ballot at approximately $66,800. The estimate considers costs associated with staffing the ballot processing center, supplies, and materials, such as paper, printing and postage. While the County has developed an estimate based on similar elections, the actual cost may vary depending on the number of ballots returned that need processing.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on a Workers’ Bill of Rights citizen-driven initiative.
2. Do not receive a briefing on a Workers’ Bill of Rights citizen-driven initiative.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Workers’ Bill of Rights Initiative