The Latest: Franchises criticize Seattle minimum wage ruling

By The Associated Press

SEATTLE – The Latest on the U.S. Supreme Court turning away a challenge to Seattle’s $15-an-hour minimum wage (all times local):

9 a.m.

An organization of franchise business owners is disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear a challenge to Seattle’s $15-an-hour minimum wage law.

The International Franchise Association and five franchises sued the city, saying the new law discriminates against them by treating Seattle’s 623 franchises like large businesses because they are part of multistate networks.

But the franchises say they are small businesses. The association says it’s still deciding what its next steps will be.

The justices didn’t comment on their order Monday that leaves in place a federal court ruling in favour of Seattle.

The law that went into effect last year gives small businesses seven years to phase in the higher wage, but requires large companies and franchises to meet the $15 target by 2017 or 2018.

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6:41 a.m.

The Supreme Court is turning away a challenge to Seattle’s $15 an hour minimum wage from franchise business owners who say the law discriminates against them.

The justices are not commenting on their order Monday that leaves in place a federal court ruling in favour of Seattle.

Five franchises and the International Franchise Association said the law treats Seattle’s 623 franchises like large businesses because they are part of multi-state networks. But in reality, the franchises say, they are small businesses and should have more time to phase in the higher hourly wage minimum.

Small businesses employing fewer than 500 people have seven years to phase in the $15 hourly wage, while large employers must do so over three years.

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