This year saw several changes to wage and salary regulations in Washington state. The new minimum wage in 2026 will be $17.13 for most of the state, and overtime thresholds have been updated. In addition, local minimum wages are becoming more common — and more complex — across the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (FAST Act) into law this week. Here’s what you need to know about this new law, its impact on California restaurants, and the prospects of similar legislation becoming law in Washington.
Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, has been talking with several operators to learn what they are doing to ease the frustration of high minimum wages and work with their teams to ensure they are compensated fairly.