This November, Olympia voters will decide the fate of Proposition 1 (Prop 1), a sweeping workplace mandate that goes far beyond Seattle’s labor standards. Originally filed in both Tacoma and Olympia, only Olympia’s version remains after a judge denied unions’ lawsuit to force the measure on Tacoma’s November ballot. As of September 9, the judge ordered the county election office to hold a special election for the initiative in February 2026.
Supporters insist Prop 1 follows Seattle’s example. The truth is, it expands much further and carries unintended consequences for families, seniors, and small businesses. For example:
- Predictive scheduling rules would apply to every industry, not just retail and hospitality.
- Premium pay requirements would force employers to pay extra for schedule changes within two weeks and time-and-a-half for shifts less than 10 hours apart.
These mandates mean less flexibility for workers. Students who balance classes with split shifts on the same day or parents who adjust schedules for family needs could lose those opportunities entirely. Employers simply cannot absorb the penalties. Seniors who rely on in-home caregivers for multiple short shifts a day could see skyrocketing costs as “premium pay” becomes the norm.
Local small businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and housing advocates are alarmed. They warn that Prop 1 threatens higher costs, fewer jobs, and disruptions across the community. In response, community leaders have come together to form Olympia Together, a coalition urging a “No” vote. Their message is simple: the more voters understand Prop 1’s far-reaching consequences, the more they see it as the wrong policy at the wrong time.
