(The Center Square) – A pair of Seattle laws centered on app-based workers are now in effect.
Both the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance and the App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance went into effect on Saturday.
The App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance requires network companies to pay the greater of a minimum per-minute amount of 44 cents and a minimum per-mile amount of 74 cents or a minimum per-offer amount of $5.
According to the city, these rates will increase based on annual inflation and standard mileage rate adjustments. The first adjustment of the per-offer amount will be at the beginning of 2025.
The App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance allows app-based workers to accrue one day of paid sick and safe time for every 30 days with at least one work-related stop in Seattle. This can include shopping at a store or making a delivery within city limits.
“Gig workers are critical to Seattle’s economy – and implementation of these new ordinances further reflects our shared efforts to advance the nation’s strongest set of labor standards, so workers have the stability and support needed to succeed in our city,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a statement.
The Center Square previously reported on the implementation and enforcement of the App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance costing $115,000 in 2023 and $148,000 in ongoing annual costs.
Initial costs cover $46,000 for initial implementation activities, including the creation of model notice of rights and educational documents, translation and interpretation services, rulemaking, outreach and communication campaigns, as well as $69,000 for six months of salary for a senior investigator position.
App-based companies such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and GoPuff are subject to the two ordinances. DoorDash stated its disagreement with the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance when it was initially passed in 2022. The company claimed that Seattle “Dashers” already earn over $28 per hour on average and 90% of the delivery drivers work less than 10 hours a week. The company estimated that Seattle businesses could lose an aggregate of over $74 million per year as a result of the ordinance.
The city hosted a free concert at the Seattle Center on Saturday in celebration of gig workers. The Center Square has submitted a request for information regarding the costs associated with hosting an event centering on app-based workers.
