TakeawaysWashington’s pay transparency statute imposes strict obligations on employers.Employers can reduce their exposure by acting proactively to ensure compliance.Related links
Articles Discussing Washington State Wage & Hour Laws.
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 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
Washington State’s Amended Pay Transparency Law Includes Grace Period for Employers to Cure Job Postings
Washington State has taken a significant step for employers under its pay transparency law by giving employers a five-business-day grace period to correct violations in job postings and limiting the damages plaintiffs can win, among other changes to the law. The requirement that Washington employers post wage and salary information,
Relief from Steep Pay Transparency Penalties for Businesses in Washington State
Relief from Steep Pay Transparency Penalties for Businesses in Washington State
In welcome news for the business community and a shining example of bipartisan cooperation, the Washington State Legislature has almost unanimously passed an amendment to its pay transparency law that led to hundreds of class action lawsuits. Numerous employers
Washington State Makes Key Changes to Amend Equal Pay and Opportunities Act
On April 22, 2025, the Washington State Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 5408, as amended by the House on April 15, 2025 (“Amended SSB 5408”), making substantial changes to the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act related to pay and benefit information in job postings, a law that has resulted in
2025 Updates to Washington’s Paid Sick Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know
Washington expanded the covered uses and definition of a family member under Washington’s paid sick leave law effective January 1, 2025.
Under Washington’s paid sick leave law employers must provide non-exempt employees with at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours the employee works. Leave accrual
Washington Updates Paid Family and Medical Leave Premium Rates, Maximum Weekly Benefits for 2025
The Washington Employment Security Department has announced the Paid Family and Medical Leave 2025 premium rates and weekly benefit maximums.
Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Program’s total premium rate will increase to 0.92% from 0.74%. This rate is recalculated annually in October, based
Navigating Meal Period Compliance: Key Insights From Recent Washington Court Ruling for Employers
An appellate court in Washington state recently held a hospital liable to pay employees who worked through meal period breaks for their time worked plus compensation for an additional break as a penalty, highlighting Washington employers’ obligations to ensure employees take breaks from work during their meal and rest periods.
Washington State and Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Leave Updates
The first quarter of 2024 has brought multiple updates to the State of Washington’s and the City of Seattle’s respective paid sick leave laws, addressing concerns for commercial construction workers, app-based gig economy workers, and any workers subject to a paid time off (PTO) program. Employers may want to take
Washington State to Raise Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary Threshold in 2024
Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage rate in Washington State will increase to $16.28 per hour for employees sixteen years of age and older, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced on September 29, 2023.
Washington Employers Beware—Barrage of Suits Filed Over Pay Range Disclosure Law
Employers in Washington are facing a flurry of class actions alleging violations of the state’s new pay transparency law. While it is too early to gauge the viability of the claims, employers doing business in Washington may want to be on alert and may want to review job postings in
Washington Releases Draft Policy on Tips, Gratuities, and Service Charges
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) released a draft administrative policy regarding tips, gratuities, and service charge requirements for employers.
Washington Paid Family Medical Leave Program’s Premium Rate Increased for 2023
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave Program’s “total premium” rate rose to 0.8% from 0.6%. This rate is recalculated annually in October, based on contributions from premiums and benefits paid during the previous year.
As was true in previous years, employers must report to