Washington’s Paid Sick Leave law, under Initiative 1433, began January 1, 2018. The following links and information in this toolkit will be a starting place for help you get in compliance with the law. Final rulemaking for enforcement of the Paid Sick and Safe Leave law was completed in mid-December.
- Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, most employees, including part time and seasonal workers, must accrue paid sick leave at a minimum rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
- Paid sick leave must be paid to employees at their normal hourly compensation.
- Employees are entitled to use their accrued paid sick leave beginning on the 90th day after the start of their employment.
- Employees may carry over up to 40 hours of unused paid sick leave at the end of the year.
- Employers are allowed to provide employees with more generous carry over and sick leave accrual policies.
- Employers must provide a one-time notification to each employee of their paid sick leave rights, no later than March 1, 2018 (or upon the hire date for new employees) and must make this information readily available to all employees.
- Employees may use paid sick leave:
- To care for themselves or family members
- When the employee’s workplace or their child’s school or daycare has been closed by a public health official for any health-related reason.
- For absences that qualify for leave under the state’s Domestic Violence Leave Act.
- Employers may allow employees to use paid sick leave for additional purposes.
CLICK HERE for WASHINGTON HOSPITALITY MEMBERS’ FAQs
From the Washington Hospitality Association: EYE ON HOSPITALITY: Get Ready for Paid Sick Leave
WEBINAR LINKS:
Washington’s New Paid Sick Leave Law – Fisher Phillips Webinar (58 min.)
LAWS, CODES & RULES:
RCW 49.46 Minimum Wage Requirements and Labor Standards
RCW 49.76 Domestic Violence Leave
Chapter 296-128 Washington Administrative Code: Minimum Wage WACs
EMPLOYER RESOURCE CENTER:
I-1433 Timeline and Engagement
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL JURISDICTIONS:
Please note: If you operate a business in a local jurisdiction that has adopted more generous paid sick leave requirements, you must follow the more generous requirements.
SEATAC
SEATTLE
More Information on Seattle’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
SPOKANE
The Paid Sick Leave policy the City of Spokane adopted in January 2016 will sunset on Dec. 31, 2018. As of Jan. 1, 2018, the City of Spokane will adhere to the statewide Paid Sick and Safe Leave laws.
TACOMA
