EAP Pre-Draft Proposed Rule Language (Second Version)

(Submitted on 1/30/18 by Keith Mourer, Tipsy Cow and Brix Wine Cafe)

My name is Keith Mourer. I own/operate Tipsy Cow and Brix Wine Cafe and am proud to employ 120 people in the greater eastside of Seattle.

If these rules were adopted, I would cut nearly half of our salary positions, which is 10 positions and will hire lower wage hourly staff to compensate the flux.

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts on the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act, including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

I am a hospitality industry operator who is proud to provide jobs at all levels to people in my community. The hospitality industry is an industry of opportunity that offers everything from first-time jobs to lifelong careers. I want to continue to invest in my employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers in hospitality or elsewhere.

I am very concerned about tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage or a salary of $56,000 - $70,000 and adjusted annually. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the state minimum wage will create a wage gap between my employees and management and will ultimately harm jobs by eliminating middle-management positions.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I ask L&I to align any proposed changes to these exemptions with federal rules. As a business operator, we need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government to help reduce confusion.

I am a proud member of my community and want to continue to provide jobs for employees at all levels, including middle-management positions. I ask for L&I to consider the impact of these pre-draft rules on the hospitality careers and our community and economy.

(Submitted on 11/30/2018 by Debbie Wardrop, Resort at Port Ludlow)

My name is Debbie Wardrop. I operate the Resort at Port Ludlow and am proud to employ 55 people in hospitality.

If these rules were adopted, I would likely have to change my business model and raise all rates...

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts on the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act, including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

I am a hospitality industry operator who is proud to provide jobs at all levels to people in my community. The hospitality industry is an industry of opportunity that offers everything from first-time jobs to lifelong careers. I want to continue to invest in my employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers in hospitality or elsewhere.

I am very concerned about tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage or a salary of $56,000 - $70,000 and adjusted annually. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the state minimum wage will create a wage gap between my employees and management and will ultimately harm jobs by eliminating middle-management positions.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I ask L&I to align any proposed changes to these exemptions with federal rules. As a business operator, we need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government to help reduce confusion.

I am a proud member of my community and want to continue to provide jobs for employees at all levels, including middle-management positions. I ask for L&I to consider the impact of these pre-draft rules on the hospitality careers and our community and economy.

I have two fundamental concerns about the proposed rules concerning the EAP exemptions from the minimum wage act.

1) The proposed changes, as with the changes to the state minimum wage, should be implemented in a fashion that recognizes the different economic realities within the state. The cost of living in the Puget Sound region is significantly different than that in Eastern Washington or in rural areas of the state. Creating across-the-board minimum wages and potentially basing overtime for previously exempt workers based on those minimum wages creates a hardship for businesses and organizations in these regions of the state that are unnecessary to provide living wages to their employees. We can be smarter in enacting policies to protect workers.

2) Churches such as ours (and I would suggest other non-profits would have similar feedback) are already facing financial hardship with the steep jump in minimum wage for 2020 and the enactment of the new Family Leave policy. Mandates for non-profits and religious organizations to also enact overtime pay for previously exempt employees will add to this hardship. Our organizations are always challenged to raise the resources to fund our missions; this proposal just adds more burden. Recognize that these changes are happening after the federal tax changes that expect to reduce the number of households that itemize deductions, with an expected negative consequence in giving to non-profit organizations. Our exempt employees choose to work in an environment in which pay is not the primary factor in their employment decision. Adding further regulatory and financial burdens will only hinder our mission without meaningful benefit to the employees that this proposal is meant to provide.

Sincerely,
Brian Grow
First Presbyterian Church Spokane

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the EAP Pre-Draft Proposed Rule Language.

As a not-for-profit community hospital, we believe that the suggested minimum salary increases for an organization such as ours, and healthcare and non-profit employers in general, is not sustainable. With the added cost of the escalating minimum wage increase, and now the Washington Paid Family Leave program, employers are facing an exceptionally large payroll burden in a very short period of time. Finally, it seems appropriate to wait for the federal review of the EAP rules prior to implementing state minimum standards, as a conflict between the two can cause challenges to updating our payroll recordkeeping system.

Dear Washington State Department of Labor and Industries,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Executive, Administrative, Professional and Outside Sales (EAP) Draft Rule Concepts. The City of Tacoma is a large municipality employing more than 3,600 employees in the State of Washington (WA). We recognize the need to update the salary threshold set in 1976 to reflect modern conceptions of work produced. However, we also believe that applying a calculation using 2x to 2.5x the WA State minimum wage ($56,160 - $70,200) is too high of a salary threshold and would have significant fiscal impacts to the City. If the 2.5x WA minimum wage calculation is applied in 2020, our rough estimate indicates the City could incur increased labor costs in excess of two million dollars annually, with more than 130 employees impacted. This increase would directly impact our community members and rate payers and, inevitably, may impact the critical services and number of jobs we are able to provide in the community we serve. We request the Department delay their decision until the United States Department of Labor releases their proposal for changes to the FLSA salary threshold, which is slated for March of 2019. Should the DOL’s proposed salary level meet or exceed the equivalent of 1.5 x WA State minimum wage ($42,120 using 2020 minimum wage), we request the Department adopt a salary level that parallels that of the FLSA standard. If the DOL proposes a salary threshold that does not meet 1.5 x WA State minimum wage, we recommend the Department adopt a salary threshold at 1.5x WA State minimum wage. We feel the salary threshold for Computer Professionals should be consistent with that of other professionals.
Additionally, while we feel the Department should adopt a single duties test that largely reflects those of the federal duties test, we also do not support the percentage of time test under the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions that state an individual may not devote more than twenty percent of their hours worked in the workweek to activities which are not directly and closely related to the performance of the work described. We believe this difficult-to-measure duties requirement will cause confusion and is much too vague to be correctly interpreted and applied without significant administrative burden. We request the Department align the duties with those of the federal duties test set forth by the FLSA.

As a Board Member of L'Arche Tahoma Hope in Tacoma, I am very concerned about these proposed rules. They would require our organization, which is already struggling to provide enough funding for caregivers and programs, to significantly increase our annual expenditures. With our available fundraising, this would mean we would have to eliminate caregiver positions (eg house leaders) and programs. We are already having to raise our minimum wages next year, and this additional financial burden would be disastrous for us.

These pay scales are completely out of reason for rural areas. They would provide a financial burden in order to keep the exempt employees we currently have, much less be able to move any other positions into exempt status.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Charles Curtis, Twigs Bistro and Martini Ba/Tortilla Union Southwest Grill)

My name is Charles Curtis. I own/operate Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar as well as Tortilla Union Southwest Grill. 7 total locations in Washigton am proud to employ 400 people in Vancouver, Kennewick and Spokane.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would be forced to change labor policies, benefits, and remove positions for a number of employees. This policy is not a one size fits all plan and should not be adopted across the board. The government shouldn't be in a position to dictate to employees, and employers, what their titles and compensation should be. When President Obama tried to enact this prior to leaving office, we tested a model of this at a few properties. It was not received well and we actually lost an employee over the concept.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

We understand that an update on this topic is appropriate; however, I would like to raise several concerns with elements of the updated pre-draft proposal. My first concern is about the future of the hospitality industry and its career ladder.

As a business operator, I am proud to be able to invest in my employees, see them gain valuable skills and transfer them into leadership opportunities as they advance their careers. I am concerned that tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage will discourage my ability to provide more upward career growth opportunities. Adopting any multiplier of the minimum wage would create a wage gap between my employees and management. Undercutting and harming my employees by removal of the middle-management career ladder rungs would not benefit them, my business or the state economy.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am asking L&I to wait for the federal government to update their rules before moving forward with this process. We need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the solution and submit my comments to you.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Chad Depuy, Ocean5)

My name is Chad Depuy. I operate Ocean5 and am proud to employ 250 people in Gig Harbor.

If these rules were adopted, I would be forced to possibly lay off any salaried manager within the threshold to ensure my business is sustainable. We are a single owner business that would not be able to survive under these new rules.

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts on the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act, including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

I am a hospitality industry operator who is proud to provide jobs at all levels to people in my community. The hospitality industry is an industry of opportunity that offers everything from first-time jobs to lifelong careers. I want to continue to invest in my employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers in hospitality or elsewhere.

I am very concerned about tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage or a salary of $56,000 - $70,000 and adjusted annually. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the state minimum wage will create a wage gap between my employees and management and will ultimately harm jobs by eliminating middle-management positions.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I ask L&I to align any proposed changes to these exemptions with federal rules. As a business operator, we need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government to help reduce confusion.

I am a proud member of my community and want to continue to provide jobs for employees at all levels, including middle-management positions. I ask for L&I to consider the impact of these pre-draft rules on the hospitality careers and our community and economy.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Mike Scott, Bruchi's Restaurants)

My name is Mike Scott. I own 6 Bruchi's Restaurants and am proud to employ 65 people in Benton County.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would have to eliminate many salaried positions.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

We understand that an update on this topic is appropriate; however, I would like to raise several concerns with elements of the updated pre-draft proposal. My first concern is about the future of the hospitality industry and its career ladder.

As a business operator, I am proud to be able to invest in my employees, see them gain valuable skills and transfer them into leadership opportunities as they advance their careers. I am concerned that tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage will discourage my ability to provide more upward career growth opportunities. Adopting any multiplier of the minimum wage would create a wage gap between my employees and management. Undercutting and harming my employees by removal of the middle-management career ladder rungs would not benefit them, my business or the state economy.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am asking L&I to wait for the federal government to update their rules before moving forward with this process. We need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the solution and submit my comments to you.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Mary Galen, Collector's Choice Restaurant)

My name is Mary Galen. I own Collector's Choice Restaurant and am proud to employ 58 people in Snohomish, WA.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would not be able to provide salary positions in my restaurant any longer, it will impact my business negatively.

As a business operator in our state I wanted to ensure my voice is heard in the rulemaking process for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum Wage Act, including overtime exemptions and an update of the salary threshold. As a member of Washington’s hospitality industry, I am particularly interested in preserving my ability to provide my employees with opportunities to advance their careers.

As written, the pre-draft rules propose to tie the minimum wage to the salary threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the state minimum wage. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the minimum wage would erase those mid-career management positions that are critical to climbing the hospitality career ladder. Removal of the mid-career positions and leaving all managerial positions to upper management would undercut the workforce in an already tough labor market.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am proud to serve my community and provide all levels of jobs for my employees. I ask L&I to consider the overall economic impact and harm these updated pre-draft rules could have on our state’s economy. The hospitality industry is not the only sector that may have to drastically shift because of the outcome of these rules.

Thank you for the opportunity to be engaged with this process through the submission of my comments.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Marty Hogberg, Luigis Italian Restaurant)

My name is Marty Hogberg. I own/operate Luigis Italian Restaurant in Spokane Wa. and am proud to employ 30 people in 2018.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would have to put my managers on an hourly wage which would have a negative affect on there pay scale. I would also have to lay off other employees. Additionally we would have to raise our prices to the point of not being able to compete with the national chains. it is hard enough now.

As a business operator in our state I wanted to ensure my voice is heard in the rulemaking process for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum Wage Act, including overtime exemptions and an update of the salary threshold. As a member of Washington’s hospitality industry, I am particularly interested in preserving my ability to provide my employees with opportunities to advance their careers.

As written, the pre-draft rules propose to tie the minimum wage to the salary threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the state minimum wage. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the minimum wage would erase those mid-career management positions that are critical to climbing the hospitality career ladder. Removal of the mid-career positions and leaving all managerial positions to upper management would undercut the workforce in an already tough labor market.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am proud to serve my community and provide all levels of jobs for my employees. I ask L&I to consider the overall economic impact and harm these updated pre-draft rules could have on our state’s economy. The hospitality industry is not the only sector that may have to drastically shift because of the outcome of these rules.

Thank you for the opportunity to be engaged with this process through the submission of my comments.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Jeffrey Paradise, X Group Restaurants, Catering & Brewery)

My name is Jeff Paradise. I own/operate X Group Restaurants, Catering & Brewery and am proud to employ 75 people in Tacoma.

If these rules were instituted, we would be forced to renegotiate pay structure with our salaried managers to a much less worker friendly hourly rate. During slower times in the year, when their presence isn’t necessarily needed they would be forced to stay at work to earn their previous salary scale. This is both inconvenient and wasteful for them and the company.

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts on the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act, including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

I am a hospitality industry operator who is proud to provide jobs at all levels to people in my community. The hospitality industry is an industry of opportunity that offers everything from first-time jobs to lifelong careers. I want to continue to invest in my employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers in hospitality or elsewhere.

I am very concerned about tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage or a salary of $56,000 - $70,000 and adjusted annually. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the state minimum wage will create a wage gap between my employees and management and will ultimately harm jobs by eliminating middle-management positions.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I ask L&I to align any proposed changes to these exemptions with federal rules. As a business operator, we need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government to help reduce confusion.

I am a proud member of my community and want to continue to provide jobs for employees at all levels, including middle-management positions. I ask for L&I to consider the impact of these pre-draft rules on the hospitality careers and our community and economy.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Jennifer Myatt, Calypso Edmonds)

My name is Jennifer Myatt. I own/operate Calypso Edmonds and am proud to employ (3 but next week hiring 12 more) 15 people in Edmonds WA.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

We understand that an update on this topic is appropriate; however, I would like to raise several concerns with elements of the updated pre-draft proposal. My first concern is about the future of the hospitality industry and its career ladder.

As a business operator, I am proud to be able to invest in my employees, see them gain valuable skills and transfer them into leadership opportunities as they advance their careers. I am concerned that tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage will discourage my ability to provide more upward career growth opportunities. Adopting any multiplier of the minimum wage would create a wage gap between my employees and management. Undercutting and harming my employees by removal of the middle-management career ladder rungs would not benefit them, my business or the state economy.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am asking L&I to wait for the federal government to update their rules before moving forward with this process. We need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the solution and submit my comments to you.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Ted Furst, Le Grand Bistro)

My name is Ted Furst. I own and operate Le Grand Bistro and am proud to employ 65 people in Kirkland.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would probably lay off two of my full-time managers and replace them with hourly staff.

As a business operator in our state I wanted to ensure my voice is heard in the rulemaking process for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum Wage Act, including overtime exemptions and an update of the salary threshold. As a member of Washington’s hospitality industry, I am particularly interested in preserving my ability to provide my employees with opportunities to advance their careers.

As written, the pre-draft rules propose to tie the minimum wage to the salary threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the state minimum wage. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the minimum wage would erase those mid-career management positions that are critical to climbing the hospitality career ladder. Removal of the mid-career positions and leaving all managerial positions to upper management would undercut the workforce in an already tough labor market.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am proud to serve my community and provide all levels of jobs for my employees. I ask L&I to consider the overall economic impact and harm these updated pre-draft rules could have on our state’s economy. The hospitality industry is not the only sector that may have to drastically shift because of the outcome of these rules.

Thank you for the opportunity to be engaged with this process through the submission of my comments.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Janelle Hoeglund, Diamond Knot Brewing Co)

My name is Janelle Hoeglund. I operate Diamond Knot Brewing Co and am proud to employ 150 people in Washington.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, I would most likely have to take away opportunities for our employees to advance up the ladder to middle management as they gain skills.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

We understand that an update on this topic is appropriate; however, I would like to raise several concerns with elements of the updated pre-draft proposal. My first concern is about the future of the hospitality industry and its career ladder.

As a business operator, I am proud to be able to invest in my employees, see them gain valuable skills and transfer them into leadership opportunities as they advance their careers. I am concerned that tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage will discourage my ability to provide more upward career growth opportunities. Adopting any multiplier of the minimum wage would create a wage gap between my employees and management. Undercutting and harming my employees by removal of the middle-management career ladder rungs would not benefit them, my business or the state economy.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am asking L&I to wait for the federal government to update their rules before moving forward with this process. We need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the solution and submit my comments to you.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Andy Eason, Diamond Knot Brewing)

My name is Andy Eason. I own/operate Diamond Knot Brewing and am proud to employ 127 people in Snohomish County.

My industry relies on ample opportunity for growth within the ranks and minimum wage has already done damage to my labor pool for both blue and white collar workers. Setting a salary threshold that is tied to a moving target in my industry will further erode my labor pool of qualified applicants for middle management positions.

I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts on the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act, including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

I am a hospitality industry operator who is proud to provide jobs at all levels to people in my community. The hospitality industry is an industry of opportunity that offers everything from first-time jobs to lifelong careers. I want to continue to invest in my employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers in hospitality or elsewhere.

I am very concerned about tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage or a salary of $56,000 - $70,000 and adjusted annually. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the state minimum wage will create a wage gap between my employees and management and will ultimately harm jobs by eliminating middle-management positions.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I ask L&I to align any proposed changes to these exemptions with federal rules. As a business operator, we need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government to help reduce confusion.

I am a proud member of my community and want to continue to provide jobs for employees at all levels, including middle-management positions. I ask for L&I to consider the impact of these pre-draft rules on the hospitality careers and our community and economy.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Jason Koh, Japonessa Sushi)

My name is Jason Koh. I own/operate Japonessa Sushi and am proud to employ Over 200 people in Seattle and bellevue.

If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, It would destroy us as a business. Without layoffs or turning our loyal employees to part-time we would not be able to survive. This proposed rule change will kill every business on the edge financially and destroy full time positions.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on behalf of the updated pre-draft rules for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the state Minimum Wage Act including the update of overtime exemptions and the salary threshold.

We understand that an update on this topic is appropriate; however, I would like to raise several concerns with elements of the updated pre-draft proposal. My first concern is about the future of the hospitality industry and its career ladder.

As a business operator, I am proud to be able to invest in my employees, see them gain valuable skills and transfer them into leadership opportunities as they advance their careers. I am concerned that tying the salary overtime threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the minimum wage will discourage my ability to provide more upward career growth opportunities. Adopting any multiplier of the minimum wage would create a wage gap between my employees and management. Undercutting and harming my employees by removal of the middle-management career ladder rungs would not benefit them, my business or the state economy.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am asking L&I to wait for the federal government to update their rules before moving forward with this process. We need alignment at the local, state and federal levels of government.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the solution and submit my comments to you.

(Submitted on 11/30/18 by Stefanie Howe)

My name is Stefanie Howe, I manage young employees out of college in Spokane, a very different market than Seattle. If these rules were adopted as currently, it would de-motivate and limit their potential into mid and upper management as well as limit the opportunity to offer flex schedules. Which is very important to them as they look to become new parents or look into being remote workers.

As a business operator in our state I wanted to ensure my voice is heard in the rulemaking process for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum Wage Act, including overtime exemptions and an update of the salary threshold. As a member of Washington’s hospitality industry, I am particularly interested in preserving my ability to provide my employees with opportunities to advance their careers.

As written, the pre-draft rules propose to tie the minimum wage to the salary threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the state minimum wage. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the minimum wage would erase those mid-career management positions that are critical to climbing the hospitality career ladder. Removal of the mid-career positions and leaving all managerial positions to upper management would undercut the workforce in an already tough labor market.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am proud to serve my community and provide all levels of jobs for my employees. I ask L&I to consider the overall economic impact and harm these updated pre-draft rules could have on our state’s economy. The hospitality industry is not the only sector that may have to drastically shift because of the outcome of these rules.

Thank you for the opportunity to be engaged with this process through the submission of my comments.

Submitted on 11/30/18 by Bret Wirta)

My name is Bret Wirta. I own/operate Two hotels and a restaurant in Washington State and am proud to employ almost 100 people in Sequim. If these rules were adopted as currently proposed, they would eliminate two managerial positions.

As a business operator in our state I wanted to ensure my voice is heard in the rulemaking process for the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum Wage Act, including overtime exemptions and an update of the salary threshold. As a member of Washington’s hospitality industry, I am particularly interested in preserving my ability to provide my employees with opportunities to advance their careers.

As written, the pre-draft rules propose to tie the minimum wage to the salary threshold to a range of $56,000 - $70,000 adjusted annually or 2 – 2.5 times the state minimum wage. Adopting a salary threshold tied to any multiplier of the minimum wage would erase those mid-career management positions that are critical to climbing the hospitality career ladder. Removal of the mid-career positions and leaving all managerial positions to upper management would undercut the workforce in an already tough labor market.

I appreciate the Department’s willingness to consider a phase in, but the two suggested approaches perpetuate the challenges created by such a drastic increase in the salary threshold. I request the Department not pick winners and losers based on geographic location or size of business. Rather, the phase in should span at least four years to give all businesses ample time to implement changes and update their business practices. Over the last three years the hospitality industry has continued to struggle with the impacts of a 40 percent increase in the minimum wage contained in I-1433. To be clear, with these new pre-draft rules the Department is suggesting a nearly 300 percent increase in wages for our employees. As an employer, this increase will likely have a negative impact on the career ladder and opportunities in my business.

I am proud to serve my community and provide all levels of jobs for my employees. I ask L&I to consider the overall economic impact and harm these updated pre-draft rules could have on our state’s economy. The hospitality industry is not the only sector that may have to drastically shift because of the outcome of these rules.

Thank you for the opportunity to be engaged with this process through the submission of my comments.