App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance
On May 31, 2022 City Council passed the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance, SMC 8.37.
This law is effective on January 13, 2024.
The ordinance applies to certain app-based workers (sometimes referred to as gig workers) and provides for several rights and protections for covered workers. Key rights include:
- Minimum Payment: Right to minimum pay based on the time worked and miles travelled for each offer.
- Transparency: Right to upfront disclosures of offer-information and right to receipt and payment records.
- Flexibility: Right to access the network platform without limitations (except for health and safety limitations), right to not be penalized for limiting availability or refusing offers, and the right to cancel an offer with cause.
In the coming months, OLS will release additional explanatory guidance on this ordinance as well as begin formal rulemaking to further clarify its provisions. If you wish to be included in a list of stakeholders to receive further information on rulemaking, please email laborstandards@seattle.gov
If you have questions about the law, contact us via our online inquiry form or via phone at (206) 256-5297