SEATTLE _ The Seattle City Council is expected to approve an ordinance Monday to phase in a $15 hourly minimum wage _ the highest in the nation.
The ordinance passed a committee last week with a few changes. It would take effect next April and allow a sub-minimum wage for teens.
The ordinance was drafted by an advisory group of labour, business and non-profit representatives convened by Mayor Ed Murray. It would phase in wage increases over three to seven years, depending on the size of the business and employee benefits.
Meanwhile, a group called 15 Now led by Socialist Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant (CHAH'-mah SAH'-want) is collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would create an immediate wage hike for large businesses and a three-year phase-in for small business.