During a recent Olympia City Council meeting, local business owners and employees voiced strong concerns regarding the proposed workers' bill of rights policy, which includes a significant increase in the minimum wage.

One employee, who has worked for a small business owner for nine years, shared her personal experience, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in the community. She highlighted the extensive training that new estheticians undergo, funded by her employer, and warned that the new policies could force small businesses to hire only experienced workers, limiting opportunities for newcomers. She expressed her pride in working for a company that offers health benefits and a 401(k) match, stating that such support would be jeopardized by the proposed regulations.

Another speaker, Brad Tomsit, echoed these sentiments, noting that the policy pushed by unions could severely impact small businesses, which are vital to Olympia's economy. He argued that the increase in wages would lead to higher prices for consumers and could drive small businesses out of the area, ultimately harming the local economy. Tomsit pointed out that the voices of small business employees were notably absent in previous discussions, suggesting a disproportionate influence from union representatives in the ongoing debate.

As the council considers the implications of the proposed policy, the testimonies from local employees and business owners underscore the potential challenges that could arise for small businesses in Olympia, raising questions about the balance between workers' rights and the sustainability of local enterprises.