For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Marks Six Year Anniversary Resolving 825 Investigations Resulting in Nearly $14 Million Dollars in Remedies to More Than 18 Thousand Seattle Workers
Seattle, WA – (April 2, 2021) – Since April 1, 2015 thru April 1, 2021, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) settled or otherwise resolved 825 investigations against 436 employers who agreed to pay a total of $13,964,286 million in total remedies to 18,844 workers and in fines to the City of Seattle.
“OLS is often referred to as a small but mighty office. In the relatively short time since OLS was created in 2014, we have implemented 16 different labor laws that represent groundbreaking protections and support for mostly low-income and BIPOC workers across numerous sectors. Our investigation, policy and outreach teams are dedicated to their work and the people they serve – first and foremost, Seattle workers, as well as the many small businesses that employ them through our technical assistance services, we also support businesses so they can comply with the city’s labor regulations,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
“El Centro de la Raza celebrates the 6th anniversary of the Office of Labor Standards. Together we have protected and ensured workers’ rights, and their livelihoods. When we do this together – we are all community. ¡Viva la Raza!” – Denise Perez Lally, El Centro de la Raza, Human Services Director
The 825 cases over six years involve a wide range of employers and 900 ordinance violations. Every year since its creation, OLS has assessed more money to workers from $2.6 million in 2019 to 7.8 million in 2020. In one such case, OLS reached a nearly $2 million settlement with Macy’s, a department store chain that previously operated two locations in Seattle with hundreds of Seattle employees and tens of thousands of employees worldwide, for alleged violations of the Secure Scheduling ordinance. The total financial remedy was nearly $2 million to 803 affected employees. On average, workers received $2,500 and several workers received over $10,000. Most of the financial remedy represented back wages and damages for pay for schedule changes (premium pay).
“On behalf of myself and every Macy’s employee who benefits from this investigation and settlement, let me say I very much appreciate the work you are doing. It is good for all concerned parties to see these sorts of programs function as intended,” said former employee Brigid Ciganik.
Please visit our data interactive dashboards for more information on resolved investigations, worker inquires, financial remedies and more.
- Help for workers and the public: To ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email workers.laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out a web form.
- Help for employers: For free and private compliance assistance with any Seattle labor standard, or to schedule a training, call 206-256-5297 or email business.laborstandards@seattle.gov.
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