On February 13, 2024, the voters of Renton will vote on whether to create a new minimum wage law. Supporters of the wage proposal collected enough signatures to qualify for the February ballot. The City Council had the option of passing the proposal but decided to let voters make the decision.
If passed, businesses with more than 500 employees would be required to pay a minimum hourly wage of $20.29 (matching the Tukwila minimum wage approved by voters last year). At present, Renton businesses must comply with the state minimum wage of $15.74 per hour.
Employers with 15 to 500 employees must begin paying a minimum of $18 per hour on July 1, 2024. As of July 1, 2026, those employers would be required to pay the same minimum wage as larger employers. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from the wage standard.
Diane Dobson, CEO of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern about the wage proposal because it does not consider tips and benefits in the wage calculation.
WR is joining with other organizations in opposing the minimum wage ballot measure and intends to actively participate in the “No” campaign early next year.
