Tacoma’s Initiative 2, a proposal aimed at reforming labor standards on living wages and secure scheduling, has reached a turning point. In a recent special meeting, the Tacoma City Council opted not to adopt the measure directly, instead forwarding it to the Pierce County Auditor. Mayor Victoria Woodards cited both caution and responsibility, stating that the 30-day review period was not enough to “fully understand the implications and effects on our community of Initiative 2,” according to the City of Tacoma.
The unanimous vote by City Council reveals a concern for the potential unintended consequences that could arise from Initiative 2. Noting shared values with the petitioners, such as the importance of living wages and safer workplaces, Mayor Woodards was quick to state that the initiative presents significant concerns, although no specifics were provided in her statement…