Look, nothing’s official yet when it comes to Seattle passing a $15-an-hour minimum-wage bill. That won’t happen until 2 p.m. this afternoon, when the City Council is expected to formally put a bow on the landmark effort.
In the meantime, let us all prepare for an epic socialist dance party.
No kidding. (OK, the socialist part is a joke, but only barely).
As 15 For Seattle – a “broad coalition” of “progressive groups” – announced via press release this morning, a real-live dance party will be held at the Seattle City Hall plaza around 3 p.m., shortly following the expected passage of the minimum wage bill. As one might expect from such a dance party, there will be “ice cream, cake, music and cheers.” Included revelers, according to the release, are expected to include Ed Murray, members of the City Council as well as “$15 NOW members, business leaders, low wage employees, IIAC members, and the public.”
Given the fact the effort passed unanimously out of committee last week, there doesn’t seem to be much fear of hiccups today. The dance party is on like Donkey Kong, by all indications.
And while 15 Now is continuing its push for a more worker-friendly version of the bill, including a last-minute 1 p.m. rally at 4th and James today that being called “crucial to support this victory and fight to close the loopholes on this historic day,” barring anything unforeseen early forecasts are calling for a day full of victorious statements from nearly all involved. Working Washington set the tone early, issuing the following “We did it!” proclamation at 6:05 a.m.:
We did it! A year ago, hundreds of fast food workers in Seattle went on strike for $15 and the right to organize, sparking a new movement to remake our poverty-wage economy. Six months ago, SeaTac workers won the vote on Proposition 1, which sets a $15 minimum wage for transportation & hospitality workers in and around our airport.And today, Seattle City Council is set to ratify the central demand of the fast food workers movement by passing a $15 minimum wage — becoming the first big city to commit to the principle that everyone should be able to support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy. When Seattle fast food workers with Working Washington first called for $15, many thought it was well out of reach — an impossible dream, not a realistic demand. But the bold leadership of fast food workers, airport workers, grocery workers, and others transformed the public debate and changed what was possible. A year ago, $15 was just a number on fast food strikers’ picket signs. Today it’s set to become a reality for 100,000 Seattle workers.
For those looking to celebrate, or just bust a move with a Seattle socialist, today appears to be your day.
