Initiative to boost Tukwila's minimum wage moves forward

There is a new initiative to increase Tukwila's minimum wage by over $3.

The Tukwila City Council can pass the initiative, or voters can decide in the November election.

Tukwila currently pays Washington state's minimum wage of $14.49. If the initiative passes the wage will be boosted to rates matching Seatac's minimum pay for hospitality and transportation workers. That's $17.54. Larger employers, 501 or more employees, in Seattle pay a minimum of $17.27.

Katie Wilson is the campaign organizer of Raise The Wage Tukwila.

Wilson said many who signed the initiative thought it was reasonable for Tukwila workers to make similar wages as surrounding cities.

"A lot of people in Tukwila commute to Seatac or Seattle for jobs," Wilson said. "Partly because minimum wage is higher in those cities. Maybe, they would like to work closer to home. But, the jobs in Tukwila don't pay as much."