Washington Employment Laws
Washington state law has employment laws that focus on issues like minimum wage, paid sick leave, and workplace safety.
By Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Last reviewed March 14, 2025
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Washington employers must follow federal laws and state employment laws that give employees protection. Some businesses think having fewer employees means less reason to adhere to leave laws and employment laws, but that is not true.
Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) offers paid sick leave under state law. Unemployment concerns go through the Employment Security Department (ESD WA). A Washington workers’ compensation lawyer can explain how to secure workers’ compensation pay on your next paycheck if injured on the job.
Choose a link from the list below for detailed information on employment laws in Washington.
Learn About Washington Employment Laws
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Washington laws protect the civil rights of residents. This includes restrictions against employers discriminating against sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender, and national origin, whether it is in a job posting or once hired. This section includes the code sections, with information about court procedures and links to related information and resources. Sexual harassment is included.
Washington Legal Holidays Laws
Learn about what Washington state holidays are legal holidays and if employees receive overtime pay. Typically, employees are paid their regular rate of pay unless they work overtime during the workweek.
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A brief synopsis of Washington whistleblower law. These laws protect workers who claim unsafe or illegal conditions, like child labor or Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) violations, at the workplace from retaliation. Retaliation, such as being terminated or passed up for a promotion, is explained.
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Overview of Washington's lack of "right-to-work" laws. 28 states have these laws that limit the ability of employers to refuse jobs to non-union workers. This section explains other laws that protect workers’ rights and working conditions in Washington.
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Overview of Washington state wage laws. This overview includes the state minimum wage. The current minimum wage in Washington state is $16.28 per hour.
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Overview of Washington state’s Department of Labor and Industries resources that detail the rules for calculating overtime pay in a workweek. This includes what is legally considered full time hours and overtime wage rate of 1.5 times over the hourly wage rate. This section discusses meal breaks and when meal periods can be taken.
Washington Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
A brief synopsis of the time limits employees, or independent contractors have to file a civil lawsuit in Washington. Civil lawsuits include disability claims and personal injury claims. Personal injury includes failure of the employer to perform background checks and negligently hiring a job applicant. It can also include suits claiming the employer wrongfully denied their paid leave for a serious health condition.
Talk to a Washington Employment Lawyer
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights working in Seattle or other areas of Washington. A Washington lawyer can help you know if your employer was discriminatory in failing to allow you to use the Family and Medical Leave Act to take care of a family member or address domestic violence or stalking.
If you have been denied your rest breaks, been paid less than other genders in violation of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, or denied time off for jury duty, you need to talk to a labor law attorney. You may have employment protections, and a limited amount to file a lawsuit or complaint.