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Seattle Council Expected To Approve $15 Minimum Wage

The Seattle City Council is expected to approve an ordinance Monday to phase in a $15 hourly minimum wage — the highest in the nation.

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Seattle City Council is expected to approve an ordinance Monday to phase in a $15 hourly minimum wage — the highest in the nation.

The ordinance passed a committee last week with a few changes. It would take effect next April and allow a sub-minimum wage for teens.

The ordinance was drafted by an advisory group of labor, business and nonprofit representatives convened by Mayor Ed Murray. It would phase in wage increases over three to seven years, depending on the size of the business and employee benefits.

Meanwhile, a group called 15 Now led by Socialist Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant (CHAH'-mah SAH'-want) is collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would create an immediate wage hike for large businesses and a three-year phase-in for small business.

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