For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email:cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Marks Two Year Anniversary of App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance
Seattle, WA (May 2, 2025) –The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) marks the two-year anniversary of Seattle’s App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance.
Since the law was enacted on May 1, 2023, enforcement actions have included:
- Fielding over 143 worker inquiries/complaints
- Investigating and resolving two matters which resulted in recovering $103,114.07 for 137 workers
Recently OLS investigated Wonolo, an online staffing platform that connects app-based workers with companies looking to fill jobs in various industries. The company settled allegations under the App-Based Worker PSST Ordinance, Gig Worker PSST, and Gig Worker Premium Pay Ordinances.
Under the Premium Pay Ordinance, OLS alleged that Wonolo failed to:
- Pay premium pay to workers for delivery drop-offs in Seattle
- Provide a notice of rights
Under the PSST Ordinances, OLS alleged that Wonolo failed to:
- Provide PSST to workers
- Failed to provide a written policy
- Failed to provide a notice of rights
The company agreed to pay a total financial remedy of $122,388.36 to 419 gig workers and $3,991.78 in fines to the City of Seattle.
“App-based workers often rely on each paycheck, making it difficult to take time off when they are sick or need to care for family members. Paid sick and safe time allows them to take leave without financial strain and helps prevent the spread of illness to others. Overall, most companies appear to be complying or making an effort to comply with the App-Based Worker PSST Ordinance. This is likely due in part to previous enforcement work by OLS,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese. “By the time the App-Based Worker PSST Ordinance was enacted, OLS had been enforcing the Gig Worker PSST Ordinance, its predecessor, for almost three years. Prior to the App-Based Worker PSST Ordinance taking effect, OLS opened and resolved investigations into 13 companies, assessing over $8,000,000 for 31,613 workers. OLS will continue to provide training, outreach and education to ensure businesses continue to comply and workers receive needed paid sick and safe time.”
For more information and resources about the App-Based Worker PSST Ordinance and other app-based worker laws including the App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights Ordinance and App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinances, please visit the OLS App-Based Worker Ordinances webpage by clicking here for questions, please call 206-256-5297 or email laborstandards@seattle.gov.
- Help for network companies: for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle’s labor standards, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out an online request form.
- Help for app-based workers and the public: to ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out a web form.
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