Sea-Tac workers hold solidarity protest for $15 minimum wage

SEATAC, Wash. – About 100 workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport took part in a protest as part of nationwide demonstrations for a $15 minimum wage.

The Tuesday afternoon protest involved a rally near the airport and people walking around the baggage claim area.

Across the country dozens of people were arrested as part of similar demonstrations. Fast-food restaurant workers and home and child-care workers rallied in cities including Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York. In many cities the protesters blocked busy intersections.

In 2013 voters in SeaTac passed a $15-an-hour minimum wage law. In November, Washington state voters approved Initiative 1433, which would raise the hourly wage by roughly $4 over three years, to $13.50. The measure also would require employers to provide paid sick leave – at least one hour for every 40 worked – that could be used to care for family members or as “safe leave” for those who miss work because of domestic violence.

Washington’s current minimum wage is $9.47 an hour. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.