Franchises want more time to pay Seattle $15 minimum wage

SEATTLE (AP) — A lawyer for the International Franchise Association is arguing before a federal appeals panel that Seattle's new $15 minimum wage law unfairly treats one class of small employer differently from others.

Paul Clement told a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday that the ordinance discriminates against franchises. It says small businesses have seven years to phase in the higher wage, but large companies and franchises must meet the $15 target by 2017 or 2018.

Clement says that's unconstitutional.

The association wants an injunction against the ordinance that went into effect April 1. A U.S. District Court judge rejected that.

Seattle's lawyers say the ordinance fairly requires businesses that can pay more to pay a higher wage sooner rather than later.

Kathy Lyons, owner of the franchise BrightStar Care of West Seattle, joined the franchise association in seeking an injunction against the ordinance. She said in a news release that the measure would have a negative impact on her company's clients, largely seniors and people with disabilities on fixed incomes.

"The decision will increase the costs of senior care to those who can't afford it," she said.

Seattle lawyers said franchise workers of big national chains like McDonalds have been actively seeking an increased minimum wage and claims by the franchises that paying that higher wage will cause them harm is "purely speculative."

The appellate judges said they'll rule at a later date.