The Puget Sound Business Journal recently published an editorial highlighting the legal problems with Initiative 124, the Seattle ballot measure that seeks to regulate safety practices.

In Washington’s eight non-standard rates, all except for Seattle, received GSA per diem lodging rate increases ranging from two to 11 percent.

On July 26 the chairs of the Washington Lodging Association and Washington Restaurant Association signed final contracts and adopted cornerstone plans for a united hospitality association in Washington.

In Congress, last week, Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA), Brian Schatz (HI), and Dianne Feinstein (CA) sent a letter to the Chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) raising concerns about the short-term rental industry with respect to housing costs, consumer protection, racial discrimination, community safety, and the platforms’ inconsistent compliance with tax laws.

The Seattle city council voted today to put Initiative 124 in front of voters on the November general election ballot. This initiative has been spearheaded by UNITE HERE Local 8 and, if passed, will impose numerous new workplace requirements on Seattle hotel employers.

The majority of the Seattle restaurant workforce is highly satisfied at work and prefers tweaks to existing policies over any major changes that aren’t needed, including scheduling changes, according to a June survey.

Many WLA members are very likely being eligible to recover substantial refunds from the Washington State LCD Flat Panel Antitrust Settlement.

The third edition of this classic resource takes a look at the challenges and opportunities faced by hotel owners, lodging industry real estate professionals, and hotel company executives, with articles written by industry leaders in asset management.

If passed, Initiative 1433 (I-1433) would begin raising the statewide minimum wage to $13.50 per hour by 2020.

Close to 61 percent of travelers surveyed reported that loyalty points and programs impact where they choose to stay, and 57 percent say they save up all their hotel loyalty points to use toward a summer vacation.

Seattle Initiative 124, which seeks to impose a range of workplace provisions on Seattle hotel employers, took a step forward last week when UNITE HERE Local 8 submitted an estimated 30,000 signatures to King County Elections.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Councilmember Tim Burgess this week announced a proposal to prevent long-term rental units from being converted to short-term rentals, while still providing residents the ability to earn additional income by renting out their homes.

Peterson Sullivan hospitality advisory manager Marney Zellers, CHAE, looks at what Washington employers should consider as they prepare to comply with the new federal rule for overtime exemptions.

The new federal overtime rule guarantees time-and-half pay to any salaried employee earning under $47,476 a year ($913 a week) and who works more than 40 hours in a week. That’s double the current salary threshold of $23,660 ($455 a week).

Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport is the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Outstanding Property of the Year, Small Property.

Significant changes to the federal overtime exemption rules proposed last year by the Department of Labor are getting closer to becoming a reality. Several news sources report that the final changes will be published in May, and employers may have as little as 60 days after publication before the law goes into effect. The threshold for salaried employees to be exempt from overtime pay will more than double from the current minimum of $23,660 a year.

Complimentary breakfasts offered at hotels will not be subject to the menu-labeling rule, according to the final guidance on the law released last week by the Food & Drug Administration.

Seattle hotel initiative ballot title now includes reference to labor standards. (May 9, 2016)  Initiative 124, the Seattle hotel initiative that would limit housekeepers’ workloads, require gold-level health care plans and mandate other workplace provisions, will now include a reference to labor standards in the ballot title. The change comes after the Washington Lodging Association filed a ballot […]

The ballot title “Initiative 124 concerns health and safety standards to protect hotel employees in Seattle” fails to accurately reflect the substance of the proposed measure and will mislead voters.

Seattle hoteliers are encouraged to ask their City Councilmembers to support the Mayor’s proposal for funding the Office of Labor Standards and expand the share of outreach funding for employers.

A proposed ballot initiative has surfaced in Seattle that seeks to implement a wide range of onerous workplace provisions on hotel employers.

An attorney of record in the WRA’s tip-pool lawsuit shares his perspective on possible next steps for Washington’s hospitality employers.

A new tax law makes it even more worthwhile for restaurants and hotels to donate surplus food.

Hoteliers and other employers who hire a consultant to advise them during a union-organizing campaign will be required under a new U.S. Department of Labor rule to reveal what the hired third parties recommend.

Report on Airbnb in Phoneix market shows 85% of Airbnb operators listed properties for rent more than 30 days in calendar year.

This year’s visitors’ guide celebrates Washington’s year of milestones, including centennials for the National Park Service and Boeing.

For women’s history month, Washington Restaurant & Lodging Magazine checked in with five talented women about their paths to success.

AH&LA and NRA file amicus brief on Seattle wage law. (March 24, 2016) The American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association, together with other top national organizations, filed an amicus brief in March with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) case against Seattle’s wage ordinance.  The […]

In an unexpected decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled this week that the Department of Labor has the authority to regulate the tip-pooling practices of employers who do not take a tip credit, including prohibiting these employers from instituting tip pooling programs that include back-of-the-house staff, management, and other workers who are not customarily tipped.

If passed, the Stop Online Booking Scams Act would require third-party hotel booking websites to clearly disclose that they are not affiliated with the hotel for which the traveler is ultimately making the reservation – ensuring that websites posing as hotels’ websites are stopped from scamming consumers.

The state’s supplemental budget for 2015-17 is expected to come out this week, and it is a critical time for tourism in our state. Together the Washington Tourism Alliance, Washington Restaurant Association and Washington Lodging Association are requesting your help!

The Senate Commerce & Labor Committee held a public hearing on a bill that would increase the state minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2020.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has proposed revising the Employer Information Report (EEO-1) to collect data on employees’ W–2 earnings and hours to assist the agency in identifying pay discrimination.

Raise Up Washington, a newly formed union coalition, filed a statewide ballot initiative on January 10 that would raise Washington’s minimum wage to $13.50 by 2020.

A growing number of commercial landlords are using Airbnb to run unregulated hotels in major cities according to a new study released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Spokane’s new sick leave ordinance requires businesses with 10 or more employees to provide five days of leave each year to employees who have worked over 240 hours. Businesses with nine or fewer employee must provide three days paid leave.

Three of the nation’s largest apartment owners have been in talks with Airbnb Inc. about a partnership that would allow tenants to rent their apartments via the website in exchange for a share in the nightly rate.

The Spokane City Council will vote at its January 11 meeting on the proposed ordinance, which would require Spokane-based employers to provide employees with up to three days of sick leave each year.

On November 17, in a ceremony at Hyatt Regency Bellevue, the Washington Lodging Association (WLA)’s Stars of the Industry Awards recognized eight individuals and five hotels for their exceptional service to Washington’s traveling public, to their communities and the state’s hospitality industry as a whole.

Dozens of hotels across Washington state have donated getaway packages to support local students through The Seattle Times Newspapers in Education program.

he Washington Lodging Association and the Washington Restaurant Association issued a press release on Monday, Nov. 30, announcing plans to form a hospitality association in 2016.

Getting to know your government affairs team in advance of the 2016 legislative session. (Nov. 25, 2015)  Director of Government Affairs Bruce Beckett sent the following message to WLA members, introducing his team and opportunities for member engagement. Dear WLA Member, As we get ready for a busy 2016 legislative session, I’d like to introduce […]

Each year the Washington Lodging Association invites its members to honor their exceptional employees by nominating them for the Stars of the Industry Awards. Now in its 17th year, the Stars program celebrated another outstanding group of winners and nominees at WLA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show on Monday, November 16.

After an exciting election cycle consisting of several important issues and races throughout the state, the results are in! The Washington Lodging Association and the Washington Restaurant Association are very pleased with the majority of the outcomes.

The Washington Lodging Association’s Board of Directors votes to join the WRA in going in a new direction with regard to the minimum compensation.

As one recent study showed, 80% of readers who hadn’t yet planned their trips were influenced in their choice of destination after reviewing a visitor guide. This powerful effect is just one of the many reasons why your business needs a presence in the 2016 edition of the official Washington State Visitors’ Guide, the definitive travel resource for our beautiful state.

AH&LA President & CEO Katherine Lugar issued an action alert asking members to contact their representatives in Congress to urge support for the “Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act” which would protect the traditional, direct control definition of joint employer.

Each year the Washington Lodging Association invites its members to honor their exceptional employees by nominating them for the Stars of the Industry Awards. Now in its 17th year, the Stars program welcomes another outstanding group of nominees.

Infographic on Seattle City Council races and SHA/SRA endorsed candidates.  

Under the new districting system approved by Seattle voters in 2013, every Seattle City Council seat is up for election this November. The outcome of these council races, which are all expected to be very close, will have an impact on hospitality businesses in Seattle. If you are a Seattle voter, don’t forget to vote in this important election! And in deciding on how to vote, support our industry by following the endorsements made by the Seattle Hotel Association and the Seattle Restaurant Alliance.

The Washington Lodging Association joined the Washington Restaurant Association in a lawsuit filed last week against the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) over new rules that would restrict options for negotiating liquor prices. Northwest Grocery Association and Costco have also joined the suit.

Airbnb announces it will collect Washington lodging and sales taxes. (Oct. 2, 2015) Airbnb announced this week that on October 15 it will voluntarily start collecting lodging and sales tax on behalf of Washington state hosts who use Airbnb as a platform to rent out their home and properties on a short-term basis.  While Airbnb’s announcement […]

Washington state’s minimum wage will not increase in 2016, remaining at $9.47 an hour.

The Trade Show at WLA’s Annual Convention is the state’s leading showcase of lodging-related products and services. It gives hoteliers a chance to get to know WLA’s trusted vendor partners with businesses that cater specifically to the needs of lodging establishments.

Much to the disappointment of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the Department of Justice has approved Expedia’s acquisition of Orbitz. AH&LA has lobbied against the deal because it consolidates almost all booking by online travel agencies or OTA in a duopoly.

This resource page and upcoming articles will help our members in Tacoma comply with the city’s new paid leave ordinance.

Join WLA and the WRA at key events that will strengthen our industry and help us enhance the success of your business. Next month the Washington Lodging Association and the Washington Restaurant Association begin joint operations, and your participation at a number of key events this fall will help set the course for successful collaboration […]

Earlier this year, the Department of Defense dramatically cut the military per diem allowances for employees on long-term travel assignments, and a repeal of these drastic cuts is in the offing. AH&LA has been advocating for a repeal of this harmful policy, which cuts the per diem allowance for workers who are on assignment for more than 30 days by 25 percent, and for those traveling for more than 180 days the per diem was cut by an astounding 45 percent. You help make this repeal a reality.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) says the ruling creates a dangerous new legal precedent and threatens to undermine franchise owners’ control over their businesses.

The Washington Lodging Association and the Washington Restaurant Association signed a joint operating agreement and a master services agreement establishing a framework for working collaboratively on all fronts.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has released federal per diem rates for FY2016, and many areas in Washington will see significant increases. The daily rate for the Vancouver area will jump by as much as 10%, followed by Spokane with a 9% increase. For the Seattle area, the high season rate was increased to $202 and in FY2016 extends from May through October. This means the Seattle per diem rate for May, September and October will see an increase of 29.5%.

Be prepared, hoteliers. On October 1 new rules related to credit card fraud take effect, and if you haven’t upgraded to chip-reading technology for your credit card processing, you could be liable for fraudulent payments.

Now, once silo’ed revenue disciplines are merging in integrated revenue strategies, and the savviest practitioners are effectively using big data, social media engagement, loyalty programs and pricing science to optimize revenue and build sustainable profit streams. At WLA’s 2015 Convention & Trade Show, you’ll learn from an expert on how this is best done.

Katherine Lugar, president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association released a statement announcing the association’s opposition to Expedia’s proposed acquisition of online travel booking company Orbitz.

This month week every WLA member business will receive a special edition of Washington Restaurant and Lodging Magazine, which focuses WLA and WRA joining forces in a new hospitality association.

In the unified hospitality association being formed by WRA and WLA, there will be 10 area coordinators based around the state, giving members a close connection to the association no matter where they live.

The new organization’s combined leadership capabilities and viewpoints will create more opportunities for innovation, as well as expand its ability to effectively represent the hospitality industry.

Stan Bowman and Anthony Anton write a joint letter to members.

If you are a franchisee in Seattle, chances are high that you’re considered a large employer under the minimum wage ordinance. That’s because the new law counts all the employees who work for your franchisor, not just those who work for you.

The United States House of Representatives is expected to vote on The Innovation Act of 2015 which will help protect the hospitality industry from frivolous lawsuits brought against them by patent trolls. AH&LA wants your help to ensure its passage.

awmakers preserved a budget deal that resolved their differences on how to meet the state Supreme Court mandate to put more money into the state’s education system without raising taxes.

The Seattle Minimum Wage Guide will help Seattle members of both associations better understand and comply with the ordinance’s complex requirements.

WLA and WRA membership and communciations team are working together to get ready for combined operations as of October 1.

The Washington Lodging Association and Washington Restaurant Association have partnered to provide members with a legal guide to Seattle’s Minimum Wage Ordinance and Wage Theft Ordinance.

Here are five important things your front desk staff should know when welcoming guests with service animals.

Fraudulent websites are tricking consumers into thinking they are booking directly with a hotel, when in fact they may be stealing credit card information or making promises about types of rooms or reward benefits without the hotel’s knowledge.

Despite a higher revenue forecast, the distance between the Republican-dominated Senate and Democratic House is so great in budget negotations a second month-long special session is likely.

Each spring the Washington Lodging Association publishes our state’s definitive travel resource, and this year the Official Washington State Visitors’ Guide is already “wowing” travelers.

The lodging industry’s key performance indicators are at all-time highs and more record-breaking numbers are expected.

On April 7 WLA and WRA signed a memorandum of understanding that will serve as a blueprint for combining forces in a new association.

The most notable legislation to fail at the cut-off was a package of far-reaching labor bills, including HB 1355, which would have raised the state’s minimum wage to $12 over four years.

It’s spring and many hotel managers are faced with the question of how to respond to minors seeking guestrooms for prom and graduation celebrations.

Seattle’s new Office of Labor Standards has the authority to investigate workers’ complaints of nonpayment of wages, to define remedies, and impose penalties.

Stan Bowman, a skilled executive and policy advocate with a strong background in legislative and regulatory affairs in both Washingtons, will lead WLA as president and chief executive officer upon Jan Simon’s retirement.

The minimum wage in Seattle will begin increasing on April 1 under the complicated $15 minimum wage ordinance approved by the Seattle City Council in June 2014.

With Washington lawmakers just past the midway point in the 2015 Legislative Session, WLA continues to educate legislators on how specific bills under consideration would impact our businesses, our employees, and our industry.

The minimum wage in Seattle will begin increasing on April 1 under the complicated $15 minimum wage ordinance approved by the Seattle City Council in June 2014

IFA and five Seattle franchisees today gave notice that they will appeal Judge Jones’ decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

With the denial of the request for a preliminary injunction, IFA vows to continue to pursue legal action.

The Washington Lodging Association’s Board of Directors is hosting a luncheon for its membership on Tuesday, June 23 at DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center.

After more than 15 years at the helm of the Washington Lodging Association, President & CEO Jan Simon Aridj will retire on March 31, 2015.

The Washington Lodging Association’s Board of Directors is hosting a luncheon for its membership on Thursday, April 23 at Hotel Monaco Seattle.

WLA’s Board of Directors has been working with the leadership of the Washington Restaurant Association (WRA) on a plan to join forces in a new trade association that will represent both lodging properties and restaurants.

egislation to raise Washington’s minimum wage by close to 30% was approved by the House of Representatives on March 3, 2015 in a 51 to 46 vote.

IFA and the City of Seattle will make oral arguments on March 10 as part of the lawsuit filed by IFA and Seattle franchisees seeking to stop the city’s discriminatory treatment of franchisees in the new $15 hour minimum wage ordinance.

Certified Folder Display Service, Inc. will award six academic scholarships totaling $17,500 in 2015 to honor the memory of Certified’s long-time Chairman, Anne M. Fearn.

American Hotel & Lodging Association issues a 12-page agenda outlining its priority issues for 2015.

AH&LA’s statement calls on President Obama to work with Congress to restore the traditional definition of full time employment and to find bipartisan, permanent solutions to immigration and tax reform.

At his February workshop, attorney and employment law expert Joseph G. Marra will review common management mistakes that can open the door to litigation and put a company and the personal assets of individual supervisors at risk.

This Fisher & Phillips Legal Alert reviews updated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reporting and recordkeeping rules.