Petitions circulating for Workers Bill of Rights

A signature gathering effort in Tacoma aims to place a Workers Bill of Rights initiative on the November ballot, proposing to raise the minimum wage from $16. 66 to $20 per hour. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 367, with support from the Democratic Socialists of America, is spearheading this initiative, which includes two variations with differing penalty structures for violations. Large businesses would be required to implement the wage increase immediately, while medium and small businesses would experience phased increases over several years. The initiative also emphasizes fair scheduling practices, mandating that employers post work schedules 14 days in advance and prioritize current employees for additional hours.

To enhance workplace safety, large employers must develop safety plans and provide panic buttons for emergencies. The impetus for this initiative arose from contract negotiations that resulted in significant raises but led to reduced hours for workers. UFCW 367 President Michael Hines highlighted the need for improved safety measures, citing dismissive attitudes from management during negotiations. Even if the union achieves some provisions in upcoming negotiations, the ballot initiative will proceed to ensure comprehensive worker protections.