HomeMy WebLinkAbout6. COR IM 23-02 Explanatory Statement This measure would adopt an ordinance that requires covered employers to (1) pay a minimum wage for all hours worked within Renton, 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.
Covered employers include those who (1) employ at least 15 employees worldwide, or (2) have annual gross revenue over $2 million. The minimum wage starts in July 2024 at $20.29 for
large employers and $18.29 for smaller covered employers. The lower wage would be phased to equal that of larger employers in two years, and the wage would be adjusted for inflation
annually.
All employers, including those not otherwise covered, would be: (1) required to document and certify compliance, and (2) prohibited from retaliating against any person who exercises
rights created by this ordinance. Protected rights include making good faith allegations of violations, inquiring or informing others about the law’s protections, or participating in
investigations or claims, even when no violation exists. Any adverse action taken against a person within 90 days of their exercising rights under the ordinance is legally presumed
to be prohibited retaliation.
Violations would be primarily enforced through civil lawsuits. Remedies 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.