The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has released a draft administrative policy to provide guidance on the Military Family Leave Act requirements for employers.
What Does The Military Family Leave Act Allow?
The law allows up to 15 days of unpaid leave for an emp...
If you work as an independent contractor in Washington state, it's essential that you understand Washington state independent contractor laws. In Washington, the classification of a worker can significantly impact which worker’s rights and benefits you are entitled to, including the responsibi...
Navigating Your Workers’ Comp Case
The workers’ compensation process is anything but straightforward. Without the right tools and resources, navigating your L&I claim can easily aggravate an already stressful situation.
1. Tell Your Employer
You cannot receive workers’ compensation be...
A new proposal is under review at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Under this proposal, employers would not be able to bar the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
What Types Of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Are Included?
The PPE included in this proposal...
On Friday, March 24, U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly refused to throw out an FMLA wrongful termination case in Washington state.
FMLA Wrongful Termination
Juan Gonazlez, a former detention officer, claims to have been wrongfully terminated for taking FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) to...
As temperatures rise year after year, so does the risk of incurring a heat-related health issue or injury — especially for those who work outside.
In the summers of 2021 and 2022, the Washington State Department of L&I filed emergency rules to protect outdoor workers’ health from ambi...
This year, state Senator Manka Dhingra, a Democrat representing Redmond, introduced Senate Bill 5217. This bill would repeal a current prohibition that prevents Labor and Industries (L&I), Washington State from enacting rules designed to lower the risk of workplace musculoskeletal disorders,...
Independent Medical Exams
During the course of your workers’ comp claim, you may be required to complete an independent medical exam (IME) conducted by a doctor other than your primary provider. The purpose of this exam is for L&I to get an expert opinion regarding your medical condition. H...
The Seattle City Council approved an ordinance that includes caste as a protected class against workplace discrimination, alongside categories such as race, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. This effectively prohibits caste discrimina...
Worker's Rights In Washington State
As a Washington employee, you are entitled to worker's rights: several protections and benefits under State and Federal laws. Everyone deserves to be paid fairly, work free of discrimination and harassment, and perform their job in a safe work environment. Unfo...