Articles About Washington Labor And Employment Law.
Washington Employers: Prepare for Hiring Practice Shifts as New Background Check Requirements Take Effect in 2026 + 2027
TakeawaysThe amended Washington Fair Chance Act prohibits employers from requesting an individual’s criminal background information before a conditional offer of employment is made.All employers are covered by the new law, and the new requirements are effective beginning 07.01.26 and 01.01.27, depending on the size of the employer.Employers have time to prepare and should consider taking proactive steps.Related link
Washington Pay Transparency: A Timely Compliance Reminder for Employers
TakeawaysWashington’s pay transparency statute imposes strict obligations on employers.Employers can reduce their exposure by acting proactively to ensure compliance.Related links
Washington State Supreme Court Broadly Defines Job Applicants Covered by Pay Transparency Law
In a closely watched decision on September 4, 2025, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that job applicants can sue for violations of the state’s pay transparency law without needing to prove they applied for the job in good faith or were otherwise “bona fide” applicants. In Branson v. Washington
Heat Waves and Hazy Days: A Compliance Reminder for Washington State Employers
As temperatures rise and wildfire season intensifies across the Pacific Northwest, Washington State employers must remain alert – for the safety of their workforce and to follow state law. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has adopted specific rules that require businesses to protect employees from the
Washington State Joins the Mini-WARN Act Club. How Will Layoffs and Business Closings Be Impacted?
TakeawaysWashington’s mini-WARN law, “Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act,” becomes effective 07.27.25.It requires employers with 50 or more employees to give a 60-day notice prior to certain layoffs or business closings.Employers contemplating layoffs or business closings in Washington must determine whether federal WARN or Washington’s mini-WARN (or both) will require them to provide advance notices.Related links
Washington State’s Revised Personnel File Law—Effective July 2025
On May 13, 2025, Washington State enacted Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1308, which goes into effect on July 27, 2025. This new law amends RCW 49.12.240 and 49.12.250, significantly changing employer’s obligations regarding employee access to personnel files. It replaces prior Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) guidance
Washington Senate Bill 5041 Expands Unemployment Benefits to Striking and Locked-Out Workers
Washington Senate Bill 5041 Expands Unemployment Benefits to Striking and Locked-Out Workers
Washington recently became the third state in the nation—joining New York and New Jersey—to offer unemployment benefits to workers on strike or locked out by their employers. Under the newly signed Senate Bill 5041, eligible workers will be
Washington State Scales Up Paid Family and Medical Leave Law
On May 20, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson took the final step toward implementing House Bill (HB) 1213’s expansion of the state’s paid family and medical leave program when he greenlit funding for the program as part of the state appropriations budget for the 2025-2027 biennium. With this funding, the
WA Cares Gets a Makeover: What’s Changing in 2026
WA Cares Gets a Makeover: What’s Changing in 2026
Washington State enacted significant amendments to the WA Cares Fund (“WA Cares”), the nation’s first mandatory, publicly funded long-term care insurance program for workers. WA Cares was established under the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Act, signed into law in
Washington Enacts New Protections Against Workplace Coercion Based on Immigration Status
Washington Enacts New Protections Against Workplace Coercion Based on Immigration Status
Effective July 1, 2025, Washington State will protect employees from coercion based on immigration status. Specifically, Senate Bill 5104 prohibits employers from exploiting a worker’s immigration status in furtherance of the employer’s violating wage payment, condition of labor, or
Washington State to Require Unpaid Leave and Safety Accommodations for Victims of a Hate Crime
Washington State to Require Unpaid Leave and Safety Accommodations for Victims of a Hate Crime
Effective January 1, 2026, Washington SB 5101 will require employers to provide leave and safety accommodations to employees who are victims of a hate crime or have a family member who is a victim of
Amendment to Washington Healthy Starts Act Expands Pregnancy Accommodation Obligations and Mandates Paid Lactation Breaks
Amendment to Washington Healthy Starts Act Expands Pregnancy Accommodation Obligations and Mandates Paid Lactation Breaks
Effective January 1, 2027, SB 5217 expands Washington’s Healthy Starts Act (“Act”) to apply the law to employers of any size, require scheduling flexibility for postpartum appointments, mandate paid lactation accommodation breaks, and impose civil
Washington Public Records Act Now Protects Identities in Workplace Investigations
Investigation records have typically been considered public records under Washington State’s public disclosure law, absent a specific exemption or an established legal privilege. On May 15, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law House Bill (HB) 1934, a measure that received overwhelming support in the legislature and require broad
Washington State Passes (Yet Another) Paid Family and Medical Leave Amendment, and It’s a Big One
Washington State Passes (Yet Another) Paid Family and Medical Leave Amendment, and It’s a Big One
Washington employers take note: Significant changes to the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) law are on the horizon that will impact every employer in the Evergreen State. The bill amending the