Weekly News Update — February 28, 2025

Ferguson Proposes $4B In Cuts, Furloughs In Face of WA Budget Shortfall

Governor Bob Furguson has proposed that state workers take one unpaid furloughed day each month for the next two years, rather than increase taxes. The plan is projected to save $4 billion of the $15 billion gap between expected taxes and planned spending, and would begin in July. Read more.

Starbucks Cuts Include Hundreds of Seattle workers

Starbucks laid off over 600 corporate employees, mostly at the headquarters in Sodo. CEO Brian Niccol says they plan to lay off a total of 1,100 non-cafe workers, and seeks tighter enforcement of in-office over remote attendance. Read mode.

Domestic Workers Could Get Guarantee Breaks, Minimum Wage Under Proposed Washington State Bill

A proposed bill in the House and Senate would have Washington join 12 other states and impliment a domestic worker will of rights, which already exists in Seattle. The State legislation would cover nannies, house cleaners, home care workers, cooks, and gardeners; it excludes coverage for babysitters, dog walkers, and pet and house sitters. Read more.