Sunday, November 9, 2025
Olympia is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact and feasibility of labor and wage policies proposed in a potential "Workers' Bill of Rights."
The initiative, which was officially introduced in late 2024, is part of the city council's ongoing effort to expand economic opportunity and improve workplace protections for local employees.
The prospective bill could include a local minimum wage increase, fair and predictive scheduling standards, and enhanced workplace safety measures.
Qualified firms are invited to submit Statements of Qualifications by July 18 at 5 p.m. Submissions must be sent electronically in PDF format to Request for Qualifications Coordinator Dawn Carvalho at dcarvalh@ci.olympia.was.us.
The city aims to partner with a consultant with expertise in labor policy, economic impact modeling, and community-based research. The work will result in a set of evidence-based, equity-centered policy options tailored to Olympia's unique economic and social landscape.
The work will take place over the next six months. The work includes a review of local economic and workforce data analysis, engagement with small businesses, and a final report.
The review includes real-world case studies, analyzing labor market data, conducting small business outreach, and modeling possible impacts under different implementation approaches.
The goal of the research is to help the city council understand the implications of various wage policies in the city's local context.
The study should:
The ideal consultant must conduct labor and economic policy research, and have expertise in community-based research.
The city prefers a candidate that has:
For full details, click here.
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terry
The legislature just passed a law allowing union employees to draw unemployment benefits during a voluntary walkout/strike. Now the City wants to pad employee remuneration with more rights and cash and very likely a little DEI for good measure. Oh, keep in mind that the City budget is on life support.
Wednesday, June 25 Report this
Southsoundguy
Natural move, cities must expand in any way. Cities are a ponzi.
Thursday, June 26 Report this
LindaD
Unless we have enough wealth to support ourselves and our family without working, we're working class. All workers need protections. I assume the other two commenters are of the wealth class with no need to work. We can and should discuss how our protections might look in our community as long as we remember, we are protecting ourselves. Workers Unite.
Thursday, June 26 Report this
Wesley
"Worker's Bill of Rights" . . . ? Simple: You have the right to seek other employment if you don't agree with the terms. Let's not get this twisted.
Thursday, June 26 Report this