For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
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Seattle Office of Labor Standards Invites Public Comment on Changes to Select Administrative Rules Proposed for App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance
Public comments on proposed rules accepted until November 15, 2023
Seattle, WA – (November 1, 2023) The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) invites public comment on changes to select rules proposed for the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance.
In September 2023, OLS released proposed administrative rules for the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance (SMC 8.37).
This ordinance requires covered network companies to:
- Provide app-based workers with minimum payment for time spent and miles driven while completing work
- Provide certain information about an offer of work before and after the worker accepts it
It also provides app-based workers with the right to:
- Flexibility, including the right to access a network company’s platform without limitation (except for health and safety limitations)
- Not be penalized for limiting availability or refusing offers of work
- Cancel acceptance of an offer of work with cause
The proposed rules clarify the details of several requirements created by the ordinance.
OLS received comments from the public during September and subsequently considered those comments. Based on those comments, OLS made limited adjustments to the following subsections of the rules: “Engaged Time” (SHRR 240-100.2), “Marketplace Network Company” (SHRR 240-100.4), “Minimum Per-Offer Amount” (SHRR 240-120.4), “Required Physical Labor” (SHRR 240-130.7), and “Material Change to How Payment Will Be Calculated” (SHRR 240-170). Accordingly, members of the public will have a second opportunity to comment on these limited changes.
The full text of proposed changes, as well as the original proposed Chapter, is available on the OLS website: https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards/ordinances/app-based-worker-minimum-payment-ordinance
Members of the public are invited to comment on the proposed rules in writing. Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM PST on November 15, 2023.
Comments may be mailed or delivered to: Seattle Office of Labor Standards, ATTN: Shuxuan Zhou, Policy Analyst, 810 Third Ave, Suite 375, Seattle, WA, 98104 or emailed to laborstandards@seattle.gov with the subject line: “Comments: App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance Proposed Rules.”
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