WA Wins the Minimum Wage Wars
And a new pre-filed bill could be disastrous for WA small businesses
On January 1, 21 states had a minimum wage increase. In a competitive for the top spot between California, New York and Washington, Washington emerges as the leader with the highest minimum wage in the United States at $16.66!
Definitely not a win for the businesses and ultimately, the people of Washington, California or New York (who tied for 2nd at $16.50/hour)
Today Washington democrats pre-filed a bill that would “strengthen” (their words not ours) the Minimum Wage Act, ultimately reaching $25/hour in 2031.
HB 1181 significantly raises the baseline minimum wage over several years and indexes it to inflation, which is a departure from previous gradual increases. From January 1, 2026, and incrementally each year through 2031, the minimum wage for employees 18 years and older will increase, starting at $17.50 per hour in 2026 and reaching $25.00 per hour by 2031. Post-2031, the minimum wage will adjust annually based on the rate of inflation.
There are a number of changes to existing laws including: paid leave expansions, enforcement and penalties for employers in violation, additional rights and protections for workers.
You can read the full text of the bill here: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1181.pdf?q=20250107133713
This bill represents a significant overhaul of labor rights in Washington, which will have substantial repercussions for Washington employers and the state economy.
Many employers of minimum wage workers will fully automate and replace their human work force with AI. They’re already ready.
Mr. Julie Barrett (Chris) did an exercise with Microsoft Copilot AI to demonstrate how advanced the technology is and what this would look like for customers. He used his Copilot app on his phone and asked it to “play Starbucks drive thru” with him. Watch the video below and see for yourself!
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