Your Rights Under the Washington Paid Sick Leave Law

Washington state’s Paid Sick Leave Law ensures that workers don’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck. Whether you’re recovering from an illness, caring for a loved one, or dealing with a domestic violence situation, you have the right to take paid time off.

Unfortunately, many workers don’t know their rights, and some employers violate the law by denying leave, requiring unnecessary documentation, or retaliating against employees who use their benefits.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

Who Is Covered?

All employees in Washington state, including part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers, are covered under the Paid Sick Leave Law. In Seattle, the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) ordinance offers additional protections for workers in the city.

How Sick Leave Is Earned

• Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Accrual begins on the first day of employment.
• Sick leave can be used starting on the 90th calendar day of employment.

What You Can Use Sick Leave For

You can use your accrued sick leave for:

• Personal illness or injury
• Medical appointments
• Caring for a sick family or household member
• Domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations
• When a child’s school or care facility is closed due to a public health emergency
• When your workplace is closed by a public official for health reasons 

Seattle-Specific Protections

Seattle’s PSST law expands on state protections:

• Applies to all employees working in Seattle, regardless of employer location
• No doctor’s note is required to use PSST
• Employers with 250+ employees must provide additional leave if the workplace closes for health or safety reasons 

Common Violations

Despite clear guidelines, some employers:

• Deny sick leave requests
• Require doctor’s notes unnecessarily
• Fail to track or report accrued leave
• Retaliate against employees who use their leave

If your employer is doing any of these, they may be violating Washington law, and you may be entitled to compensation.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

1. Document Everything
   Keep records of your hours worked, sick leave requests, and any employer responses.
2. Check Your Pay Stub
   Your accrued sick leave balance should appear on your pay stub. If it doesn’t, contact HR.
3. Know Your Rights
   You do not need to provide a doctor’s note unless your employer has a written policy that applies equally to all employees.
4. Contact an Attorney
   Emery | Reddy, PC offers Free Case Reviews and has helped thousands of Washington workers fight for their rights in the workplace.

Final Thoughts Paid sick leave is your legal right in Washington. If your employer is denying you time off, retaliating, or failing to track your leave, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Emery | Reddy today for a Free Case Review.