Title
Discussion of a Scope for Research on Minimum Wage, Fair Scheduling and Workplace Safety
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss a scope for research on a minimum wage increase, fair scheduling, and enhanced workplace safety in Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager's Office, 360.753.8046.
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Council has been exploring ways to improve local economic opportunity and resiliency for community members since 2015. At that time, the intent was to catalyze a regional conversation on workplace wages, sick and safe leave, and predictability of work scheduling. Council did not take formal action.
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, a regional coalition of stakeholders came together to address economic response and recovery for businesses and community members in Thurston County. A 24-month plan, including strategies to address major economic stability challenges exposed by the pandemic, was developed and implemented.
As a next step, the City of Olympia embarked on developing its own strategies to address local economic opportunity and resiliency. Known as Olympia Strong, the resulting strategies were accepted by Council on September 10, 2024, as the City's priorities for creating and maintaining economic opportunity for those struggling in our community.
In 2024, the Council received a letter from the Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367 requesting consideration of a "Workers' Bill of Rights." The document outlines various proposals aimed at expanding worker protections, including raising the minimum wage, ensuring fair scheduling, and improving workplace safety.
At Council's September 16, 2024, Finance Committee meeting, Committee members discussed...
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