In a recent investigation, retail giant Walmart has agreed to pay almost $190,000 for potential violations of gig and app-based worker laws in Seattle.

Photo byMarques ThomasonUnsplash

The Seattle Office of Labor Standards found that Walmart failed to provide premium pay and a notice of rights to gig workers, violating the temporary Gig Worker Premium Pay Ordinance.

The company also neglected to establish a paid sick and safe time system for gig workers, provide necessary information, and create a written policy. As a result, Walmart has agreed to pay financial remedies to affected workers and the City of Seattle.

Background Behind the Investigation

The Gig Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow workers to earn paid sick time.

Although initially applicable to workers in food and transportation delivery networks, it has since been replaced by the App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance.

This new ordinance permits app-based workers to accumulate paid sick and safe time based on their work activities in Seattle.

Ensuring Compliance with Labor Laws

According to Steven Marchese, the director of the Office of Labor Standards, Walmart must adhere to Seattle's labor laws to inform employees about their rights and benefits.

Failure to do so not only hurts the workers' dignity but also undermines trust in the city's regulatory structure meant to enforce fair labor practices.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you believe companies like Walmart should be held accountable for violating labor laws concerning gig workers? How important is it for gig workers to have access to paid sick and safe time benefits? Should cities have stricter regulations in place to protect gig and app-based workers?

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!