Durkan, Moon Proposes Dueling Plans To Protect Seattle Workers

SEATTLE, WA - Mayoral candidate Cary Moon on Wednesday released a proposal to offer more protections to freelance workers, and restrict employer non-compete clauses. Moon's proposals are modeled on similar laws in place in California and New York City.

Moon would seek to create a "Freelancer and Contingent Worker Bill of Rights," which would tighten labor standards for those workers. For example, requiring employers to pay freelancers within 30 days, and require a contract for freelance work that pays more than $800 over a four-month period.

With some exemptions, Moon would also ban non-compete clauses in Seattle. Such clauses are often used in the sales industry, but increasingly in lower wage jobs. The sandwich chain Jimmy Johns was criticized last year for requiring non-compete clauses for its works, although the chain eventually canceled that policy.

"Everyone - whether they’re a contingent day laborer, barista, or a freelance coder - deserves freedom, respect and full payment for their time and hard work," Moon said in a press release.

On Labor Day, challenger Jenny Durkan released a "Domestic Workers Bill of Rights," which would set standards in Seattle for how that class of workers is compensated, plus offer incentives to employers that improve domestic worker conditions. Durkan also said, if elected, she would explore "pilot programs" to protect gig economy workers - people who work for services like Uber and Instacart.

• See Cary Moon's worker protection proposals
• See Jenny Durkan's worker protection proposals

Both Moon and Durkan have picked up labor union endorsements, although Durkan has picked up more. Moon is endorsed by two local Service Employees International Union chapters, while Durkan has the endorsement of the Martin Luther King County Labor Council, plus Ironworkers and Firefighters' unions.

Image via Patch.com