Kibitz-ness in Seattle

Politicians who've probably never run anything larger than a lemonade stand, connive with 'labor' (unionized only and less than 10% of the labor force), 'business' (big enough to elbow their way into the doings), and 'non-profits' (non-taxables), to run the lives of the rest of us;

As the Seattle City Council began on Thursday to debate Mayor Ed Murray's plan to increase the minimum wage in the city, tensions are growing between labor and business groups.

....The plan gives businesses with more than 500 employees nationally at least three years to phase in the increase. Those providing health insurance will have four years to complete the move. Smaller organizations will be given seven years, including a consideration for tips and health-care costs over the first five years of the phase-in.

But now, business groups are pushing for a training wage, a longer phase-in for nonprofits of any size, and no minimum-wage increase for employers with less than 10 employees. 

Which displeases the people who earn middle class salaries supposedly representing the working class;

Labor representatives from the advisory committee responded to these proposals in their letter sent to the City Council. ....

"If the Council intends to consider different options, we would expect it to consider pro-worker options supported by the public and not only employer friendly options. That said, we want to be clear that we believe the mayor's compromise proposal remains the best way forward," the letter said.

The letter outlined a few "pro-worker" changes, including not counting tips toward compensation, shortening phase-ins and eliminating training wages.

David Freiboth, executive director of the King County Labor Council, said.... 

That laws that make it difficult to hire unskilled workers who might compete with workers paying dues to King County Labor Council members are just fine and dandy with him?

But hey, everyone has a place at the bargaining table. Except the 99% who don't.