Uber’s gig workers to be treated like employees in U.K., but here it’s a different story
Britain has forced Uber to recognize its drivers as employees. But with the lobbying power of gig-based companies in the U.S., don't expect similar reforms...
Columnist
Jon Talton
Talton writes about business and the Pacific Northwest economy in the Sunday Seattle Times.
Washington state faces uncertainty as Biden continues hard line on trade | Jon Talton
The new administration wants more equitable trade policies than those pursued by presidents prior to Trump. Details are lacking, but Washington's trade dependence is again...
Across the lake, a city looks to profit from Seattle’s mistakes | Jon Talton
Seattle, struggling with crime and homelessness, is poorly positioned to reclaim its superstar status as the nation tames the coronavirus pandemic, writes economy columnist Jon...
Chinese and Russian hacking episodes are flashpoints in bigger conflict | Jon Talton
Microsoft and Amazon will play a big role in American readiness for any future cyberwar. That's one reason why foreign hackers are stalking them, writes...
Inflation isn’t the big risk, with economy’s recovery still uncertain | Jon Talton
Don't worry about a return of 1970s-level inflation, and don't be led astray by the bond market's jitters. A big stimulus is needed and so...
Downtowns will be back, but Seattle has choices to make | Jon Talton
Once the pandemic passes, reasons are abundant to be bullish on downtowns, even with remote work. In the past, Seattle’s genius for reinvention has always...
Mars beckons, but the private sector alone can’t meet our space needs | Jon Talton
These are high times for companies taking the lead in launching rockets, deploying satellites and making money. But the profit motive alone can't match our...
Go big: Why Biden’s stimulus is the best medicine
The president wants to spend nearly $2 trillion to pull the economy out of its continued trouble. The plan has much to recommend it.
For unions and Amazon, much is riding on vote in Alabama | Jon Talton
Workers at an Amazon "fulfillment center" in Alabama are voting on whether to unionize. The outcome could have wide-ranging reverberations, writes economy columnist Jon Talton.