Olympia council refers Workers' Bill of Rights initiative to November ballot after split vote

Olympia — After extended public comment and a lengthy council debate, the Olympia City Council voted on July 21 to send a citizen-sponsored Workers' Bill of Rights initiative to the November general election rather than adopt it as a city ordinance.

The measure, which would raise the city minimum wage for certain employers, set rules for scheduling and require workplace safety planning for large employers, was certified sufficient by the Thurston County Auditor and brought before the council under state law. "The purpose of tonight's agenda item is for you to consider and take formal action on a resolution regarding a workers' bill of rights initiative ordinance," Assistant City Manager Stacy Ray told the council during the presentation.

Supporters and opponents packed public comment. Proponents said the measure would help local workers with unstable schedules and low pay; opponents — including small-business owners and representatives of the Washington Food Industry Association and the Washington Retail Association — said the ordinance as written could impose burdens on small businesses and nonprofits and urged the council to refer the measure to voters for further study.

The council considered two statutorily required options: adopt the initiative ordinance without changes or send it, without alteration, to a public vote. Council member Gilman moved to adopt the initiative as an…