'Seattle's Greatest Social and Economic Experiment Is about to Begin'

That's how USA Today reporter John Bacon concluded his video on the Seattle City Council's historic vote to increase the city minimum wage to $15/hour in 3-7 years depending on the business. The outcome was never in doubt due to prior deliberations.

2 minute read

June 4, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Before a packed house late Monday night (June 2), the Seattle City Council unanimously voted to increase the $9.32 per hour minimum wage, already the nation's highest, to $15. It "will phase in over three to seven years, depending on the size of the business and benefits they provide employees," writes John Bacon.

"Seattle's Chamber of Commerce initially balked at the wage plan," writes Bacon, arguing that "small and minority businesses would be put at risk by the increase in personnel costs.  Compromises were put forward, and a rancorous Council committee meeting last week resulted in some adjustments to the plan that appeared to pave the way for easy passage."

One business group unhappy with the result was the International Franchise Association which "said it plans to sue to overturn the ordinance. The trade group, which represents franchise owners, said it puts Seattle business owners at a disadvantage," writes Kathy Cherpelis for Yahoo Finance.

"Next April 1, when the plan takes effect, every worker will get at least a $1-an-hour raise," writes Bacon. The measure also "includes a lower training wage aimed at teenagers."

Businesses employing more than 500 workers would be required to pay $15 an hour by 2017, or 2018 if health care is offered. Smaller businesses would have five to seven years to phase in the increase. Part of employees' tips and benefits could be applied toward the higher minimum for as long as 11 years.

The vote was a victory for Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle's new socialist city council member, Kshama Sawant, who spearheaded the campaign to achieve the historic minimum wage. The text of her victory speech is available here.

Listen to NPR report on the $15 minimum wage here.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog