Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) is a law that requires employers to provide paid leave to their employees that can be used for medical reasons or domestic assault situations. The law was originally passed in 2012 and has changed to include different types of workers and uses. Seattle PSST is available to any employee who works in Seattle, Washington and does not already receive a paid time off benefit from their employer.

How Can I Use Seattle Paid Sick And Safe Time?

Workers can use their PSST for medical or assault-related reasons, including:

• To care for themselves or a family member for a physical or mental health condition, including a doctor’s appointment.
• To care for themselves, a family member, or a household member for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
• When their family member’s school or place of care has been closed.
• When their place of business has been closed by order of a public official for health reasons.
• For employers of businesses with 250+ FTEs, when their place of business has been closed for any health or safety reason.

You do not have to provide a doctor’s note of any kind. If your employer is requiring it, contact a Seattle employment attorney.

Seattle Paid Sick And Safe Time Accrual

Employees begin accruing PSST from their first day of work. The amount of PSST you earn depends on how many hours you work per week and the number of employees in your company.

Where Can I Find My PSST Balance?

Your Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) balance should be noted on your pay stub. If it’s not, you may need to get in touch with your human resources department to find out how much you have. Employers may add a 90-day waiting period before you can use your accrued PSST, but it should accrue from the first day you start working.

If your employer provides employees with a better PTO plan than the PSST, you will not see it listed on your pay stub. For example, if your employer gives you 3.33 hours of paid time off every two-week pay period, then you do not have access to Seattle PSST benefits.

Seattle Paid Sick And Safe Time Violations

There are several ways employers violate the law when it comes to PSST. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, you should contact an employment attorney today:

• Balance isn’t available on your pay stub or your boss/human resources is not able, or refuses to provide it.
• Refusing to allow you to use your PSST.
• Demanding proof (doctor’s note, school closure notice, etc.) to validate your need to use it.
• Retaliating against you for using your PSST or asserting your right to use it.

A skilled employment attorney can assess whether your worker rights are being violated and determine a course of action. Every employee deserves to take time off when they or a family member is sick without worrying about their pay or whether they’ll get fired.

How Do I Know If I Have A Case?

The bottom line is that anyone who isn’t familiar with employment matters should seek the input of experienced employment attorneys who do.

After years of helping workers, Emery | Reddy, PLLC has recovered hundreds of millions for our clients. Our team of Seattle employment attorneys is experienced in litigating L&I claims, injury law claims, and employment violations. We understand how to leverage each claim in state (or federal) court and before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals to maximize the value of all of your claims.

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Document Review

A document review is a comprehensive consultation and analysis of your document’s legal language, context, and impact on your worker’s rights as an employee of Washington State.

Know Your Rights

As a Washington State employee, you are entitled to several protections and benefits under state and federal laws.

Wage And Overtime Violations

Everyone deserves to be paid a fair wage and on time. Unfortunately, some employers disregard Washington employment laws and don’t pay their employees what they are owed, resulting in wage and hour violations.

Meet The Team

The Seattle employment attorneys at Emery | Reddy, PLLC are passionate about helping workers with employment law issues and L&I claims. We Help Workers®: it’s our motto and what drives us every day.

We know how companies think, and we understand the tactics they use. Our L&I attorneys use that knowledge coupled with over two decades of experience to help our clients get access to the L&I benefits to which they are legally entitled and hold employers accountable when they break the law.

If you’re struggling with an employment law issue, injury, or L&I claim, please call us and see how Emery | Reddy can help you today.