SEATTLE — As the Seattle City Council began Thursday to debate Mayor Ed Murray’s plan to increase the minimum wage in the city, tensions are growing between labor and business groups.
Despite an agreement already in place, business groups are lobbying for more changes. The agreement, forged after five months of negotiations among labor, employers and nonprofit representatives in an advisory committee, appeared to have support when it was revealed earlier this month.
The plan gives businesses with more than 500 employees nationally at least three years to phase in the increase. Those providing health insurance will have four years to complete the move. Smaller organizations will be given seven years, including a consideration for tips and health care costs over the first five years of the phase-in.
But now, business groups are pushing for a training wage, a longer phase-in for nonprofits of any size, and no minimum wage for employers with less than 10 employees. Their proposals were expressed in a letter prepared by City Council staff.