I-1433 and the City of Tacoma's Employment Standards
Tacoma employers and workers are reaching out to us with questions about the impacts of Washington State Initiative 1433 (I-1433, which relates to statewide paid sick leave and minimum wage). You'll find answers to the most common questions below.
Will the City of Tacoma’s Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Laws be Impacted?
Tacoma’s paid leave and minimum wage laws continue to remain in effect. Tacoma’s local minimum wage (currently $11.15 per hour) will not be exceeded by state law until at least 2019; however, amendments to Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 18.10 “Paid Leave” will be considered this year to align City code with the State’s paid sick leave law.
On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, the City Council Government Performance and Finance Committee (GPFC) recommended forwarding proposed amendments to TMC 18.10 to the full City Council for consideration. It is anticipated that Council consideration of the amendments will occur this summer. Materials from the GPFC meeting, including an informational memo and proposed amendments are available online.
Stay Current on Tacoma Employment Standards News
Any emerging news on City of Tacoma Employment Standards will be shared via our e-newsletter. Subscribe to Employment Standards email updates here. Our office is your resource for all questions or concerns related to Tacoma’s Employment Standards. We continue to provide assistance through our website, by email and by phone at (253) 591-5306.
Can I Weigh in on the State Law?
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is creating rules and regulations that will guide implementation of paid sick leave under the new law. The rulemaking process will include opportunities for public comment, including public hearings. Join the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Wage and Hour Listserv to receive email updates as more information becomes available. Details on I-433 can be found on the Labor and Industries website.
An Overview of Tacoma's two Employment Standards
The Paid Leave Ordinance took effect on February 1, 2016, allowing Tacoma workers to earn paid time off from work for reasons related to health, safety, and family care.
In November 2015, voters approved Tacoma’s second city employment standard: A $12 per hour minimum wage to be phased in over two years. As a result of this ballot initiative, the Tacoma minimum wage increased to $11.15 per hour on January 1, 2017.
Employees who will work more than 80 hours per year within the city limits of Tacoma (including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers) are covered by the city's minimum employment standards. There are no exceptions based on the size of the employer.
Learn More About Minimum Employment Standards in Tacoma