The city of Spokane will not challenge the Worker Bill of Rights ballot initiative, ensuring that the sweeping and controversial measure will appear on the November ballot.
The Worker Bill of Rights is the fourth initiative from Envision Spokane, now operating under Envision Worker Rights, to qualify for the ballot. It would grant new protections and rights to workers in Spokane, a prospect that has the business community worried.
Earlier this month, the city challenged the initiative in court, pointing to a hearing examiner opinion that found that one provision in the initiative was legally flawed and possibly unconstitutional.
Envision prevailed in the court case, with the city retaining the right to appeal the judge’s decision.
However, Brian Coddington, city spokesperson, confirmed that it will not appeal.
“Asking a judge for clarity on the legal flaw identified by the hearing examiner was done as a protection of the citizen initiative process as outlined by City ordinance,” he wrote in a statement to the Inlander. “The judge provided additional information that voters can weigh as they make their decisions.”
Kai Huschke, Envision campaign coordinator, said in a statement, “It was the right call not to appeal, and with the corporate legal circus now complete, it’s full speed ahead with the Worker Bill of Rights campaign. Spokane deserves a raise.”