For years, restaurant workers in Seattle struggled with unpredictable wages due to the tip penalty, where tips were used to make up their base pay. But thanks to worker organizing, that era is over.
Seattle’s new minimum wage of $20.76/hour—one of the highest in the country—means that restaurant workers finally have stable, predictable pay. A recent Working Washington survey found that before the increase:
✅ More than half of surveyed restaurant workers made less than $20/hour
✅ The vast majority saw a real raise when the new wage took effect on January 1
This isn’t just numbers—it’s real, material change. Brianna Martinez, a longtime hospitality worker, told Eater Seattle:
“I’m really happy about the extra pay… It feels a lot more stable and predictable on a weekly basis.”
Her coworker Lara Tkachenko shared how the boost in pay made this the first winter she hasn’t been financially strapped—a season when slow business often leaves service workers struggling.
While some restaurant owners and right-wing media claim this wage increase is harming the industry, the reality is clear: workers are better off. No one should have to overwork themselves just to survive the winter.
Read the full article on Eater Seattle and share this victory—we’re proving that fair wages make a difference!