The Mesopotamian civilization of Sumer emerges in the Ubaid period (6500-3800 BC) and Uruk period (ca. 4000 to 3100 BC), culminating in the mid-3rd millennium before giving rise to the Akkadian Empire in the 24th century BC. This is often identified as the first empire in history.
The 2015 Washington minimum wage is $9.47. Washington's minimum wage applies to workers in both agriculture and non-agricultural jobs, although 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($8.05). Read the September 30, 2014, news release. Print an announcement of the 2015 minimum wage.
Seattle raises minimum wage to $15 an hour. Seattle City Council voted Monday to raise the minimum wage to a nation's-highest $15 per hour. Washington already has the highest state minimum wage at 9.32 per hour.