Washington State offers some of the most comprehensive worker protections in the country. Yet, every day, employees across the state face violations of their rights, often without realizing it. Whether it’s wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, or unsafe working conditions, your employer may be breaking the law. If you suspect something isn’t right at work, it’s time to review your rights and take action.
Know Your Rights As a Washington Worker
As a Washington worker, you are protected under both state and federal labor laws. These laws guarantee your right to:
- Be paid fairly and on time
- Work free from discrimination and harassment
- Receive reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, or religious beliefs
- Take paid sick and family leave
- Work in a safe and healthy environment
- Be free from retaliation for reporting violations
Unfortunately, many workers don’t know what their rights are, or how to enforce them. That’s where Emery | Reddy, PLLC can help.
Common Violations of Worker’s Rights
Here are some of the most frequent ways that Washington employers break the law:
1. Wage Theft
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay workers the agreed-upon rate, deny overtime, or withhold tips and service charges. In Washington, all non-exempt hourly workers must be paid at least minimum wage and receive 1.5x overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
2. Discrimination and Harassment
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or above), disability, or genetic information. Harassment that creates a hostile work environment is also illegal.
3. Retaliation
If you report discrimination, wage theft, or unsafe conditions, your employer cannot retaliate against you. Retaliation includes termination, demotion, reduced hours, or hostile treatment.
4. Unsafe Working Conditions
Employers must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. If you’re exposed to hazards without proper training or equipment, your rights may be violated.
5. Leave and Accommodation Violations
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) allows eligible workers to take paid time off for serious health conditions, pregnancy, or caregiving. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religious practices.
Special Protections for Seattle and SeaTac Workers
Workers in Seattle and SeaTac enjoy additional protections under local laws:
- Secure Scheduling: Retail and food service workers at companies with more than 500 employees worldwide must receive schedules at least 14 days in advance and extra pay for “clopening” shifts (closing and opening on the same shift in less than 10 hours).
- Hotel Worker Safety: Hotels with 60+ rooms must provide access to panic buttons. If the hotel has more than 100 rooms employers must provide health benefits or similar compensation. Cleaning staff must be given extra pay if they clean more than 5,000 square feet in an 8-hour shift.
- Domestic Worker Protections: Nannies, house cleaners, gardeners, cooks, au pairs, or household managers are entitled to breaks, minimum wage, and protection from harassment, and one day off every six consecutive days for live-in workers.
- TNC Driver Pay Standards: Transportation network Company (TNC) Uber and Lyft drivers must be paid a minimum rate per trip and have the right to appeal deactivation decisions.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
Facing a workplace violation can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for how to handle workplace employment violations:
1. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and communications. Store copies at home or in a secure digital format. Washington is a two-party consent state, so you cannot record conversations without permission.
2. Read Your Employee Handbook
Your handbook or manual may outline procedures for reporting issues and resolving disputes. Understanding your employer’s policies can help you navigate internal processes before seeking legal help.
3. Contact Human Resources
Most companies require employees to report issues to Human Resources (HR) as a first step. If HR fails to take your complaint seriously, it may be time to consult an attorney.
4. Know the Law
Visit the EEOC and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) websites to learn more about your rights. These agencies enforce laws related to discrimination, wage theft, and workplace safety.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Many workers fear retaliation or job loss if they speak up. But you don’t have to face this alone. Emery | Reddy’s Attorneys specialize in both Employment Law and Workers’ Compensation, giving them a unique ability to handle complex cases involving:
- Wage and hour violations
- Discrimination and harassment
- Retaliation and whistleblower protection
- Wrongful termination
- Disability and leave violations
- L&I claims and workplace injuries
With over 80 years of combined experience, Emery | Reddy knows how to hold employers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
New Laws You Should Know
Washington continues to expand worker protections. Recent updates include:
- Silenced No More Act: Limits the use of workplace non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements (NDAs) that prevent employees from speaking out about workplace mistreatment.
- Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA): Requires salary transparency on job postings. Violations may entitle workers to $5,000 in damages.
- PFML Enhancements: Paid leave now covers mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery, and caregiving for deployed military family members.
Know Your Rights
Your employer may be breaking Washington law, and you don’t have to stay silent. Whether you’re dealing with wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, or unsafe conditions, you have rights. At Emery | Reddy, we’re committed to helping Washington workers stand up for themselves and get the justice they deserve. Call us today for a Free Case Review.
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