Tukwila is one of the largest job centers in Washington, but wages aren’t keeping up with rising costs, from gas to food to rent. A full-time worker needs to earn over $30/hour to comfortably afford a modest one-bedroom apartment in our city. People who work in Tukwila should be able to afford to live here.
Tukwila’s minimum wage will increase to approximately match neighboring cities SeaTac and Seattle, where minimum wages this year are $17.54 and $17.27. Thousands of underpaid workers at corporate chains around Southcenter Mall will get a raise. Wages for workers earning above the minimum will also increase as employers seek to retain their skills and experience.
Living wages build strong communities, and we all benefit. When more people have more money, that means more customers for local businesses. Families can better afford necessities like child care and health care. They’re less likely to miss rent payments and become homeless. No one who works full time should have to live in poverty.
Corporations that pay poverty wages are indirectly subsidized by the rest of us who are paying taxes for food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, and welfare and support charities. Women, immigrants and people of color are most likely to benefit directly from a minimum wage increase.
During the pandemic, our neighbors who stayed on the job working for low wages in grocery, retail and food service were deemed 'essential.' Simply saying 'thank you' rings hollow if we can’t ensure they earn a living wage.
This initiative is supported by a broad coalition of community organizations, labor unions, local businesses, elected officials, and Tukwila residents and workers. Join us by voting Yes!
Submitted by: Jessica Bonebright, Miguel Maestas, Gabriela Quintana, www.RaiseTheWageTukwila.org
