Washington’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.73 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027, and the state’s overtime-exempt salary thresholds will also increase. Several local governments have announced higher local minimum wages, with rates and requirements varying by location and employer size.
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.