>https://komonews.com/news/local/dicks-drive-in-to-increase-starting-wage-to-19-per-hour

Dick's Drive-Ins to increase starting wage to $19 per hour

SEATTLE - Dick's Drive-Ins announced on Wednesday that the company is increasing its starting minimum wage to $19 per hour at all locations.

The increase goes into effect Monday.

Dick's President Jasmine Donovan says wage will automatically increase to $20 per hour once employees pass their first skills test and training which can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks.

The starting wage at Dick's Broadway and Queen Anne Locations will start at $20 per hour. The top hourly pay rate for crew members is $21.75.

In a letter addressing the new wages Donovan wrote, "Our jobs are challenging and physically demanding. I know from personal experience how hard our employees work every day."

Donovan says the company is also making changes to its scholarship and childcare programs.

Employees who pass their first skills test will now be eligible for the $28,000 scholarship program and childcare benefits. Previously, an employee had to work with the company for six months.

Additionally, through the remainder of 2021, any employee who works more than 32 hours a week will earn overtime for those additional hours.

Dick's Lake City, Holman Road and Queen Anne locations will now close at 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and will be open until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.