The case for Olympia’s Workers’ Bill of Rights | Opinion

As Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, my job is to advocate for the success and well-being of all 1.1 million students across our state. But my commitment to strong communities and strong families doesn’t stop at the schoolhouse door. When families are financially secure, children thrive. When parents are treated with dignity, they are better able to support their students. This is why I support Proposition 1 – The Worker’s Bill of Rights — on your ballot this November in Olympia.

I grew up in extreme poverty, and I know that fair treatment in the workplace is the bedrock of a healthy community. Prop 1 isn’t just about fairness; it’s a necessary market correction designed to ensure that prosperity generated in our capital city is shared equitably, particularly with those at the bottom of the pay scale.

Prop 1 will provide a significant step toward a living wage for our lowest-paid workers by instituting a $20/hour minimum wage, tied to inflation. While that number might sound large to opponents, the legislation is deliberately designed to support local businesses through a generous, staggered phase-in.

Companies with 500 or more employees — the largest, most profitable corporations — will implement the $20/hour wage immediately. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees are granted a six-year phase-in period, providing ample time to adjust and plan. Medium businesses, those with 15 to 499 employees, have a three-year phase-in.

This gradual approach is a testament to the proposition’s commitment to minimal disruption for small, community-focused enterprises, ensuring the highest impact is felt where it is needed most: by the large corporations that can absorb the costs easily.

Beyond the wage, Proposition 1 addresses predatory scheduling practices and essential workplace safety. Large employers — those with 500 or more employees — will be required to provide workers their schedules at least 14 days in advance, with premium pay for employer-requested shift changes. This ends the chaos of last-minute schedules that destroy family planning, childcare arrangements, and educational pursuits.

Furthermore, these large employers will grant workers the right to refuse shifts less than 10 hours apart, protecting workers from extreme burnout, with premium pay required if the short turnaround is accepted.

Finally, they will be required to develop and follow clear workplace safety plans.

Crucially, I want to emphasize that these scheduling and safety provisions DO NOT apply to small or medium-sized businesses. This is targeted legislation, aimed squarely at corporate structures that often put efficiency and profit above human dignity.

After reading the full text of the Workers’ Bill of Rights, the decision to support Prop 1 was a no-brainer. There is a minimal impact to our locally owned businesses and a maximum impact on the health, safety, and financial well-being of local workers, protecting them from those large employers who disregard their dignity. We have seen this play out right here in Olympia at big box stores and large retailers. Proposition 1 is about establishing a basic standard of respect for Olympia’s workers.

And let’s look at the financial upside for Olympia. Putting even $2 more an hour into the pockets of underpaid workers in Olympia will inject over $42 million into our local economy. That’s $42 million spent at local restaurants, shops, and service providers. A powerful stimulus that lifts all boats.

On Nov. 4, when you mark your ballot, you have a chance to stand up for our community, for our families, and for the economic health of Olympia. Join me in supporting our local workers by voting Yes on Proposition 1.

Chris Reykdal is the Washington state Superintendent for Public Instruction, and a former Democratic state legislator representing Olympia.

This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM.