Seattle City Council votes unanimously to support $15 minimum wage for Seattle!
In just a year, fast food workers spark movement and bring home victory for Seattle workers
At 3:40 pm on June 2nd, fast food workers made history when the Seattle City Council passed a $15 minimum wage by a unanimous 9–0 vote. Here’s how we got there.
“Fast food workers have been paving the way for a better future for low wage workers across the city,” said Crystal Thompson, a Domino’s worker who has been a leader with Working Washington in the fast food movement. “Now many workers will have the chance to raise themselves out of poverty because of the $15 minimum wage.”
“When I see $15,” Crystal continued, “I’ll be able to afford my own place in a safe neighborhood where my kids can ride their bikes, and I’ll finally be able to go back to school.”
Seattle workers have done something incredible. In just a year, fast food workers sparked a movement that has made Seattle becomes the first big city in the US to pass a $15 minimum wage — putting the central demand of the fast food movement into law.
Seattle’s $15 minimum wage is an extraordinary accomplishment: it will raise wages for 100,000 workers, providing a $3 billion economic boost for our communities.
Today, at 3:40 pm on June 2nd, fast food workers made history.
More information:
- Official Working Washington statement in advance of the vote
- Timeline of the fast food movement in Seattle, May 2013 - June 2014
###
Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org
Working Washington unites low-wage workers to fight for a fair economy where everyone can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy. We launched the fast food workers’ movement in Seattle with the May 30, 2013 strikes; we helped lead the successful campaign to pass $15 in SeaTac; and we work in coalition with unions, faith groups, and other organizations to hold corporations accountable to community needs.