CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to gig workers in Seattle; establishing labor standards requirements for premium pay for gig workers working in Seattle; amending Sections 3.02.125 and 6.208.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code; declaring an emergency; and establishing an immediate effective date; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
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WHEREAS, the new coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) disease is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person and may result in serious illness or death, and is classified by the World Health Organization as a worldwide pandemic; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has broadly spread throughout Washington State and remains a significant health risk to the community, especially members of our most vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, the definitions of "employee" and "employer" in local, state, and federal laws are broad, but food delivery network companies rely on business models that hire gig workers as "independent contractors," thereby creating barriers for gig workers to access employee protections; and
WHEREAS, gig workers working for food delivery network companies during the COVID-19 emergency face magnified risks of catching or spreading disease because the nature of their work can involve close contact with the public, including members of the public who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 but who can spread the disease; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle (City) intends to make it clear that gig workers working for food delivery network companies have a right to receive premium pay for work performed during the COVID-19 emergency; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to make it clear that provision of premium pay should not result in food delivery network companies reducing or otherwise modifying the areas in the City served by the companies, reducing a gig worker's compensation, limiting a gig worker's earning capacity, or adding charges to customers; and
WHEREAS...
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