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VOTE! Burien voters to decide on minimum wage initiative in Feb. 11 special election

February 11

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Burien residents will vote on Initiative Measure No. 1, a proposal aimed at aligning the city’s minimum wage with that of neighboring Tukwila.  

The initiative mandates that large employers pay an hourly minimum wage equivalent to Tukwila’s rate of $20.10–$21.10/hour depending on business size, with phased implementation periods for medium and small businesses.

The wage would be adjusted annually for inflation. Additionally, the measure requires certain employers to offer existing employees additional work hours before hiring new staff or subcontractors. Protections against employee retaliation and penalties for non-compliance are also included.

Proponents argue that the measure addresses the inadequacies of Burien’s current minimum wage ordinance, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025 and pays $16.66–$20.24 depending on business size. They claim the existing law contains numerous exemptions and lacks an inflation adjustment, leaving many workers without sufficient wage increases.

Opponents, including some city officials, express concerns that adopting the initiative could lead to confusion and potential legal challenges, as it would result in Burien having two concurrent minimum wage laws. Here’s a link to the city’s minimum wage Ordinance 855.

They also highlight the loss of local control over wage policies, as future adjustments would be tied to Tukwila’s decisions. The outcome of this vote may set a precedent for other cities considering similar measures.

Ballots will be mailed to Burien voters on Jan. 22, 2025, and the measure can be passed via a simple majority (RCW 35A.11.100 and 35.17.240).

Explanatory Statement:

“This measure would adopt an ordinance that requires covered employers to (1) pay a minimum wage for all hours worked within Burien, and (2) distribute additional hours to its part-time workers prior to hiring new employees, contractors, or temporary workers if its existing part-time workers have the skills and experience to perform the work. 
“The minimum wage effective 30 days after passage will be equal to that in the City of Tukwila for large employers, then adjusted annually for inflation, with phase-in periods for smaller employers. The minimum wage for medium-sized employers will begin $2 lower, with the reduction decreasing by $1 annually. The minimum wage for small-sized employers will begin $3 lower, with the reduction decreasing by $.50 annually. After the phase-in periods, all employers must pay the full minimum wage.
“Employers may not retaliate against employees exercising rights under the ordinance and must comply with administrative requirements.
“Remedies for violations include payment of: attorneys’ fees, unpaid wages, interest, liquidated damages equal to twice the unpaid wages, compensatory damages, and a $5000 penalty for retaliation. Intentional violations could subject employers to revocation of their business license.
“The existing minimum wage ordinance in the Burien Municipal Code differs in various respects including employer categories, employee classification, minimum wage calculation, tip credits, remedies, and other rules.”

Statement in Favor

“Burien wages have fallen behind the cost of living. A full-time worker must earn over $30/hour to afford a one-bedroom apartment. People who work in Burien should be able to live here, and no one who works full-time should live in poverty.
“This measure raises Burien’s minimum wage to match nearby Tukwila, Renton, White Center, SeaTac, and Seattle. This will keep Burien competitive instead of driving workers out to make more money at the same job in the city next door. Vote Yes to give Burien a raise!
“Business lobbyists have pushed their agenda through the Burien City Council to attempt to defeat this measure. They passed an ordinance that pretends to raise wages but actually excludes most workers. Anyone who gets tips or benefits, even some people who work for multinational corporations, won’t qualify for a raise. It’s a business-backed scramble to keep wages low.
“Research shows that local minimum wage increases actually create jobs, including small business jobs. Wages for workers earning above the minimum will also increase as employers seek to retain their skills and experience. When more people have more money, that’s good for our local economy. Vote Yes to give Burien a raise!
“Submitted by: Jennifer Fichamba, Stephen Lamphear, Kelsey Vanhee, RaiseTheWageBurien.org”

Statement in Opposition:

“Vote “No” to giving control of our local wages to Tukwila’s voters. You read that right: this initiative, created by an outside Burien group—the Transit Riders Union—would take wage decisions away from the people who live and work in Burien, tying us to a city known for giant malls, big-box retailers, and corporate franchises. Do they not trust you and our elected city leaders to do what’s right for Burien?
“As of January 1, Burien already has one of the highest minimum wages in the country—$20.16 to $21.16 for larger businesses. This law was shaped with input from workers, small businesses, and labor groups, ensuring higher pay while protecting the immigrant-owned restaurants and family-run shops that make our city special. Because it’s our own policy, we can improve it as needed.
“If this initiative passes, Burien loses control over its wage policy. It’s not clear how we would get it back.
“Vote “No” to keep Burien’s future in our hands. Vote “No” to preserve a policy we can refine, rather than surrendering local control and hurting the small businesses and workers that define our community. Vote “No” to protect Burien’s right to choose what’s best for Burien.
“Submitted by: Eric Papczun, VoteNoForBurien.com”

More info on this initiative is available here.

Venue

Ballot Drop Box
500 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166 United States
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