This is how KIMA-TV in Yakima thought about the reality of a $12 minimum wage in 2015. This year we passed a $13.50 minimum wage.
Four years ago, in 2012, with minimum wage at $9.04/hour, anti-worker lobby groups pushed to carve out sub-minimum wages, tip penalties, and other exceptions.
Three years ago, Seattle fast food workers walked out on strike.
Two years ago, a bill to raise statewide minimum wage to $12/hour doesn't get a vote on House floor for lack of support.
In 2015, bills to provide paid sick days and raise statewide minimum wage to $12/hour pass out of House, but don’t get out of Senate committee for lack of support.
And this year, $13.50 & paid sick days are on the way after Washington State voters passed Initiative 1433 by a 60% margin.
A lot can happen in four years. That's either a warning, a call to action, or both.
Let us know if you want to join with us to build a true statewide workers movement: