Former Seattle Councilmember Sawant Strikes With Coffee Workers – CoffeeTalk

Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant protested with striking workers outside Cherry Street Coffee House, which shut down all four stores after a strike. Workers Strike Back claims the strike began after Cherry Street’s management supported a City Council initiative to repeal Seattle’s minimum wage law. Seattle passed a law in 2015 to incrementally raise minimum wage every year for all workers. Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards states that for the past 10 years, “small businesses” under 500 employees can pay less than minimum wage if they contribute to workers’ medical benefits and earn tips. As of 2024, the sub-minimum is $17.25 per hour, with a requirement of $2.72 per hour paid into medical benefits or tips. Starting in fall 2025, all businesses will have to pay workers minimum wage without tip credits.

Read More @ FOX13