** Everett council votes to increase penalties for wage theft

In a decisive move to protect workers' rights, the Everett City Council voted unanimously to strengthen wage theft protections within the city's procurement policy. The council has extended the duration that employers must remain violation-free from three to five years before they are eligible to bid for city contracts. This change responds to growing concerns over wage theft, which can include practices like failing to pay overtime, paying below minimum wage, or requiring employees to work off the clock. Over the past five years, 36 instances of wage theft violations have been recorded in Everett, significantly impacting local workers. During the council meeting, Paula Rhyne emphasized that the ordinance represents a pivotal effort to ensure fair wages for all employees within the city.

Ethan Pfahl, a representative from the Laborers International Union, cited alarming figures of over $250,000 taken from local workers due to wage theft in recent incidents. The ordinance is set to take effect 15 days after the mayor's signature, signaling a proactive approach by the council to combat exploitation. This measure aligns with Everett's reputation as a working-class community committed to safeguarding labor rights.