Nearly $120,000 Returned to Workers in Seattle Office of Labor Standards Settlement with Walmart Inc. for Violations of App-Based Minimum Payment Ordinance | More than 400 Workers Impacted

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/08/2026 08:15 AM PDT
Office of Labor Standards logo - press release version

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov

Nearly $120,000 Returned to Workers in Seattle Office of Labor Standards Settlement with Walmart Inc. for Violations of App-Based Minimum Payment Ordinance

More than 400 Workers Impacted

Seattle WA, (September 8) - The Office of labor Standards (OLS) investigated Walmart Inc. dba Spark Delivery for alleged violations of the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance. Walmart settled the allegations and agreed to pay a total of $119,528.29 to 413 affected workers and $2,455.52 to the City of Seattle.

OLS alleged that Walmart failed to provide workers with:

  • the minimum payment for offers;
  • up-front information;
  • 24-hour electronic receipts;
  • weekly receipts; and
  • notice of rights in accordance with the ordinance.

“Thanks to app-based workers coming forward with complaints, the OLS enforcement team was able to investigate and uncover multiple violations of the minimum payment law. By resolving this investigation with Walmart, OLS continues to hold companies accountable when they fail to comply with Seattle labor laws,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.

“This settlement with one of the world's largest multinational corporations underscores why app-based workers fought so hard to win transparency protections. As a result of worker organizing, Seattle’s ordinance requires apps to provide workers with all the pay they are owed and, just as crucially, the records to verify that pay is accurate. We are proud to live in a city that demonstrates its commitment to invest the public resources needed to enforce workers’ rights and hold corporations accountable,” said Executive Director Fair Work Center/ Working Washington Danielle Alvarado 

During the investigative period, Walmart had over 400 Seattle workers and thousands of workers worldwide.

“Gig workers deserve to be treated fairly and paid for the work they do. We use our own vehicles, cover our own expenses, and dedicate our time to getting the job done, yet too often the compensation doesn’t reflect that reality. As a single mother, every dollar matters, and standing up for what is right is not always easy. I chose to speak up because I believed something was wrong, and the Office of Labor Standards listened. Their investigation showed that workers’ voices matter and that [companies] must be held accountable. I hope this outcome encourages other gig workers to know they are not powerless. When we stand up for ourselves, we can create meaningful change,” said Gig Worker Bridgette Smallbeck-Poehler

  • Help for app-based workers, independent contractors, and the public: to ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out an online request form.
  • Help for network companies: for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle’s labor standards, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out an online request form.

More information on the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance at https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards/ordinances/app-based-worker-ordinances/app-based-worker-minimum-payment-ordinance.

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