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Trump attacks Liz Cheney using violent war imagery; Election insights: What 50 Ohioans want to hear from candidates; Consumer groups slam CA Supreme Court ruling on lemon law; On National Brush Day, new resources in KY to boost oral health.

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Harris says her campaign is prepared for Trump to prematurely claim victory, Pennsylvania election officials say safeguards in the system are preventing vote fraud, and Montana Senate race could hinge on the "political refugee" vote.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

Seattle could reverse gains for app delivery drivers

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Wednesday, May 22, 2024   

The Seattle City Council could reduce wages and reverse other protections for app delivery drivers less than six months after an ordinance to provide drivers with a minimum wage took effect.

At the beginning of 2024, Seattle's "PayUp" ordinance went into place, requiring app delivery companies to pay drivers a minimum wage of $26.40, as well as minimums for per-minute and per-mile while working.

Alex Kim, a delivery driver for several app-based services in Seattle, said establishing a minimum wage reduced the stress of his job significantly.

"It just means that things that are outside of my control now I'm not getting punished for, essentially, which feels really good," Kim said. "I know that I will still get compensated for my time."

However, the Seattle City Council could roll back some of the requirements of the PayUp ordinance, reducing hourly wages to $19.97, the city's mandated minimum wage. App companies say a minimum $5 fee has been added to orders because of the ordinance. The city council will vote on an overhaul of the ordinance on Tuesday.

Hannah Sabio-Howell, communications director with Working Washington, which pushed for the initial passage of the PayUp ordinance in 2022, said the app companies haven't actually made it clear why the they've levied fees on orders.

"The bottom line is that customers are footing the bill for what the corporations want to say is the minimum wage ordinance. However, they have not been forthcoming about the way in which the fee is financially necessary," she argued.

Gabriela Quintana, senior policy associate with Economic Opportunity Institute, said not enough time has passed to understand the ordinance's impact.

"It's clearly retaliation, because they're moving so quickly on it," Quintana insisted. "What is the rush here? Let's give this a chance."

Disclosure: Economic Opportunity Institute contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Education, Livable Wages/Working Families, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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