‘They can’t afford to keep the ones they have’: Jake and Spike clash over Seattle’s $22 minimum wage

KIRO host Jake Skorheim argued that the problem facing Seattle’s small businesses isn’t finding workers.

“It’s not because they can’t find the employees,” Jake said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio. “They can’t afford to keep the ones they own. »

Seattle’s minimum wage will increase from $21.30 to $22.14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027, according to the Seattle Bureau of Labor Standards. The increase is linked to inflation and applies to all employers, regardless of their size. The statewide minimum wage will be $17.73 per hour in 2027.

The debate follows a business climate survey conducted by the Seattle Metro Chamber and the Downtown Seattle Association, which found that 47 percent of business owners have “seriously considered” moving their operations, jobs or investments out of Seattle in the past year. Respondents cited public safety, taxes and fees, and labor costs as reasons.

The mayor’s difficult position

The argument began with how Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson responded to a question about what she was doing for small business owners. KIRO host Spike O’Neill described it as essentially reframing the issue around workers.

“What she’s basically saying is, ‘I’m going to make sure you have a workforce that can afford to live and work for you,'” Spike said, paraphrasing the mayor. “There is no shortage of potential employees because no one can afford to live in the city.”

Jake countered that that’s not what business owners tell anyone.

“Because the costs are too high, because the city requires a higher minimum wage than this person’s job,” Jake replied.

Spike didn’t disagree. He explained the mayor’s position, emphasizing that she was responsible for more than just business owners.

“She also has a responsibility to the citizens of Seattle who want to earn a living, so they can work and live in Seattle,” Spike said. “She must serve two masters in this field.”

An overview is missing

“What it should serve is the overall public good,” Jake retorted. “Will the overall public good be better if you don’t have businesses to employ the low-wage workers who she says need more than $22 an hour?”

Spike threw the question back at him.

“Will the overall business of a city be better served if no one can afford to live there? » Spike asked.

Jake emphasized that the businesses in trouble are not the ones posting help wanted notices.

“The reason these 47% of companies are considering moving, leaving Seattle or moving across the bridge to Bellevue, is not because they can’t find the employees,” Jake said.

At least one downtown property owner said much the same thing. Jamila Conley, owner of WeRise Wine Bar, told KIRO 7 she understands the appeal of moving east.

“You go five miles over water and your minimum wage goes down, your insurance goes down, your taxes go down,” Conley said. “I’m Seattle, ride or die, but this looks appealing.”

However, considering a move is not the same as doing it. According to the survey, only 9% of business owners who answered this question said they planned to move outside of Seattle in the next 12 months.

Why stay?

Jake then asked about Spike’s own life.

“Can you afford to live in Seattle?” » asked Jake.

“Yeah,” Spike replied.

“Do you live in Seattle?” »

“No,” Spike replied. “I chose not to do it. I chose to have more space for what my dollar would get me. My dollar goes further in the county.”

To Jake, this proved his point.

“Your whole life is a little more affordable there,” Jake said. “And you made the choice to live there.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO News radio 97.3