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. If you have been denied Seattle PSST, call Emery | Reddy, PLLC today to speak to an experienced Intake Specialist for a Free Case Review to learn more about how we may be able to help you with your claim.
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+ full-time employees, 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 Law attorney.
HOW IT WORKS
Watch This Video to Learn More about Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST)
Seattle PSST Accrual
Employees begin accruing Paid Sick and Safe Time (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:
- Not providing a balance 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 Law 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.
Do I Need to Hire a Seattle PSST Law Attorney?
If you have tried to work things out with your employer and nothing has been done, then it’s time to consult with an experienced Seattle PSST attorney. Employment Law is complicated and can be overwhelming for anyone not familiar with it. Trying to hold a company accountable for bad business practices requires a skilled attorney to navigate the different laws and tactics an employer may use.
Emery | Reddy has decades of experience in Employment Law and an unmatched record of helping Washington state workers get the justice they deserve in labor violations. Call for a Free Case Review to speak to an experienced Intake Specialist and learn more about your rights.
Want More Information?
While Washington is at an at-will employment state, it is still possible to be unlawfully fired. If you believe you are a victim of wrongful termination, you need an aggressive and experienced legal team to fight for the justice you deserve.
Employment Law violations are all too common and can leave you feeling ashamed, confused, angry, anxious, and afraid. Find out the answers to your Employment Law questions today.
Everyone deserves to be paid fairly and on time. Unfortunately, some employers disregard Washington state employment laws and don’t pay their employees what they are owed, resulting in wage and hour violations.
We fight for you
Meet the Team
The Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time 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 Employment Law Attorneys use that knowledge coupled with over three decades of experience to help our clients get access to the benefits to which they are legally entitled and hold employers accountable when they break the law.
If you’re struggling with an employment issue, injury, or L&I claim, call us for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist to learn more about how Emery | Reddy may be able help you today.
“I recently had the privilege of working with Emery | Reddy, and I cannot express enough how impressed I am with their legal expertise and dedication to achieving a positive outcome. From start to finish, my experience with this legal firm was nothing short of exceptional.“
— Chris S.
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