Today the Seattle City Council voted to pass a $15/hour minimum wage ordinance.  This historic step would not have been possible without the activism of union and community members- including UAW 4121 members –  who fought passionately in the face of stiff opposition to push this policy forward with the help of progressive lawmakers.

Increasing the minimum wage is one significant aspect of a larger set of initiatives (including stronger collective bargaining rights) meant to end income inequality in the U.S. While Congress has refused to increase the federal minimum wage, and our Washington state Senate last year attempted to prevent municipalities from enacting this type of legislation, Seattle’s progressive community refused to give up and made this happen locally.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!