Ciudad de Burien

Workers in Burien earning the minimum wage are struggling to meet their basic needs, especially when it comes to the cost of housing. Burien Initiative Measure No. 1 would help working parents pay the rent, budget for emergencies, and save for their kids’ future.

Initiative Measure 1 would raise the minimum wage at large corporations to $21.10, matching Tukwila and similar to Renton, White Center, SeaTac, and Seattle. For medium and small companies, the wage rate would be $2 and $3 lower, respectively, but will continue to increase over the next few years until the city has one standard minimum wage for all workers.

Last year, the Burien City Council passed a weaker law that appeared to raise wages in the city. However, the legislation included several loopholes that excluded many workers. In response, a citizen initiative in the form of Initiative Measure 1 is an effort to guarantee a true raise that doesn’t penalize workers based on employer size or for receiving tips or medical benefits. Opposition to the initiative has promoted misleading information, including falsely suggesting that it ties Burien’s wage permanently to Tukwila’s. 

The initiative is widely endorsed by our statewide partners and local progressive organizations. Vote Yes for Burien Initiative Measure 1 to empower workers and help local families thrive.