BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Starting Wednesday, employers in Bellingham will be required to pay their employees at least $17.28 per hour, eclipsing Washington state's minimum wage.
Officials said its minimum wage requirement applies to all hours worked by employees within the geographic boundaries of the City of Bellingham. The new minimum wage is $1 more than Washington's minimum wage for 2024 ($16.28 per hour).
The city will increase its minimum wage each year, depending on Washington state's minimum wage requirement. Starting May 1, 2025, Bellingham's minimum wage will be $2 above Washington state's minimum wage. Starting in 2026, the city's minimum wage will continue to be $2 above Washington state's minimum wage, but it will go into effect on Jan. 1 instead of May 1.
Bellingham voters approved an initiative in the November election to establish its minimum wage above the state requirement.
According to a release, employers must keep records and other information the city can use to confirm they are complying with the minimum wage requirements. Officials said employees who are not receiving the correct minimum wage can start a complaint against their employer by contacting a private attorney or their union if they have one.
The city of Bellingham established three penalties for employers who violate the minimum wage requirements:
- First offense: a fine of up to $500.00 per underpaid employee per pay period
- Second offense: a fine of up to $750.00 per underpaid employee per pay period
- Third and further offenses: a fine of up to $1,000 per underpaid employee per pay period
The court may require employers who violate the new requirement to pay back wages or provide other forms of relief for employees.