As of November 1, 2022, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards has suspended two temporary COVID-related protections for gig workers.
The Gig Worker Premium Pay Ordinance took effect on June 26, 2020. Gig companies covered by the ordinance are no longer required to add premium pay for every order. Companies will still be required to inform gig workers of their rights for a 3-year period, and workers will remain entitled to premium pay accrued before November 1, 2022.
Similarly, the Gig Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, which took effect on July 13, 2020, is also suspended. This ordinance covered both transportation network companies (like Lyft and Uber) and food delivery network companies. Covered workers can continue to accrue and use paid sick and safe time for another six months (until April 30, 2023). As with the premium pay ordinance, the covered firms are required to inform of their rights for another three years.
The suspension of these ordinances is in alignment with the announcements by Governor Inslee and Mayor Harrell that the state and city COVID states of emergency would end after October 31, 2022.
