Statement regarding minimum wage referendum signatures submitted today:
Elections officials must closely scrutinize every signature submitted today in light of the corrupt practices by Forward Seattle's paid signature gatherers.
This small fringe group — funded by right-wing conservatives, corporate executives, and real estate developers — has a well-documented track record of deception. Some of the paperwork they submitted today may not even include valid signatures from real people.
The City Council unanimously passed a phased-in minimum wage plan which was signed into law by the mayor and supported by more than 7 in 10 Seattle voters because it ensures workers can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy. In fact, 7 in 10 of the people who signed the petition might actually support $15 too, but added their names only because they were misled by corrupt signature gathering practices.
We renew our call for an official investigation, and we are confident that the people of Seattle have no interest in turning back the clock, consigning 100,000 workers to poverty wages, and taking away a $3 billion boost to our local economy & our independent businesses.
Numerous reports of signature gathering practices are listed & mapped here.
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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 strikes that sparked the fight for $15 in Seattle; we helped lead the successful campaign to pass $15 in SeaTac; and we work in coalition with unions, faith groups, and grassroots organizations to hold corporations & politicians accountable to community needs.