Washington’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is moving to make changes to its excavation, trenching, and shoring standard, and they want to hear from employers. On February 10-12, 2026, Washington’s State Department of Labor & Industries will hold public hearings on DOSH’s proposal to amend Chapter 296-155-655 WAC,
Articles About Washington Labor And Employment Law.
Washington State Employment Law in 2025: Year in Review
The month of January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god with two faces looking in opposite directions, symbolizing transition and conflict. For Washington State employers, there is no better representation of this year’s polarity between federal deregulation and state-level reforms, as well as increased enforcement efforts.
2026 Washington State Minimum Wage Update
Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage rate in the State of Washington will increase to $17.13 per hour for employees sixteen years of age or older. For minor employees (fourteen or fifteen years of age), the minimum wage rate will be $14.56 per hour (or 85 percent of the
Washington Legislative Update: SimTech
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
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