WLA joins the WRA in supporting a statewide minimum wage increase done the right way.
(Nov. 19, 2015) The Washington Lodging Association’s Board of Directors voted on Nov. 17 to support an increase in a statewide minimum wage done the right way. This decision supports the work the Washington Restaurant Association has been doing to move toward a positive solution on the minimum wage issue that will address minimum compensation at the state rather than the local level. WLA and the WRA are currently working together under a Joint Operating Agreement and will launch a unified hospitality association in 2016.
(Nov. 5, 2015) The Washington Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors has announced that the member-driven association has decided to go in a new direction with regard to the minimum wage. In a press release issued today, the WRA outlined its desire to find a positive solution that increases minimum compensation on a statewide basis, providing local restaurants with predictability when calculating their costs. Read the full release:
Support for minimum wage increases done the right way.
Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change.”
The hospitality industry in Washington state is improving. And local restaurants are finding ways to embrace big changes. With the passage of the minimum wage increase in Seattle, many of the city’s restaurants are making significant changes to their business models that have garnered media attention. Now, restaurants are announcing another change.
The Washington Restaurant Association supports raising the minimum wage statewide in a responsible manner. Local government leaders agree that it’s time to address this important issue in a thoughtful bipartisan manner at the state level.
“We are in support of an increase in minimum wage done the right way. We have learned through local discussions that there are ways to support neighborhood restaurants and raise compensation for employees,” said Anthony Anton, Washington Restaurant Association president and CEO. “However, our state now has multiple different minimum wages with the likelihood of many more to come. It’s creating a checkerboard of wage laws that are difficult on everyone. We are looking for a positive state-wide solution. Restaurants are calling for local and state lawmakers to join together to find an answer.”
Currently, Washington state’s minimum wage is $9.47 per hour. Since 1998, it has increased annually, based on the national consumer price index. But in Seattle and SeaTac, the minimum wage is already higher. Voters just spoke on ballot proposals to increase wages in Spokane and Tacoma. As a result, Tacoma’s minimum wage will increase over time to $12 an hour.
“The City of Tacoma has had robust debates about paid sick leave and minimum wage. My City Council colleagues and I believe these important issues need solutions at the state level,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “Statewide policies will benefit workers across the entire state and provide certainty and efficiency for businesses. This will eliminate confusion for consumers and taxpayers because it will allow one organization to enforce and administer the law, instead of dozens of cities setting up a patchwork of regulatory programs. I urge the Legislature to address these issues in its upcoming session, and help uplift workers”
City governments realize that restaurants are vital to communities and local economies. When it comes to wages, restaurant owners, employees and customers are in a symbiotic relationship. Neighborhood restaurants are a pipeline of entry into the workforce, and protecting starting jobs is critical. Restaurants are also the new family dining room. Finding a solution that works for businesses, employees, and customers is key for the health of a city.
“I am concerned about Washington businesses competing on a level playing field. I’m equally concerned about establishing a unique city-by-city wage and benefit regulation and the complex burden that will create for businesses across the state,” said Spokane Mayor David Condon. “Accordingly, I encourage the Legislature to carefully consider ideas to resolve these issues on a statewide basis.”
Anton acknowledges the changes will not be simple and there will be many challenges in adapting to a statewide solution for increasing the minimum wage.
“While business models will have to change to adapt we are already seeing how some restaurants are making innovative changes,” Anton concluded “This coming year, we will see the birth of a new business model in our state. We will be trailblazing and finding ways to do business better – not only to keep our doors open, but also for the growth of our employees and strength of our communities. But if we are going to be successful in this new direction we will need clarity and certainty in this new environment. Washington’s restaurants need state legislators to lead the way for the health of our state. Now is the time.”
IN THE NEWS
Restaurant group supports increasing state’s minimum wage (The Seattle Times, Nov. 5, 2015)
Washington Restaurant Association declares support for higher minimum wage (kuow.org, Nov. 5, 2015)
Washington restaurant group now pushing for wage increase (king5.com, Nov. 5, 2015)