Washington Right-to-Work Laws

Right-to-work laws stem from union contracts that offer protections like paid sick leave, rest breaks, and collective bargaining. These laws allow employees to decide whether to join a union. If a state has a Right-to-Work law, it bans labor contracts that require union membership (or non-membership) as a condition of employment.

This FindLaw article explains whether Washington state and its cities, like Seattle, have right-to-work laws and what laws apply to worker protections in Washington state.

Does Washington Have Right-To-Work Laws?

Twenty-eight states have right-to-work laws. Washington is not one of them. Washington has historically been one of the nation's most pro-union states. Washington employers and labor unions can negotiate contracts requiring union membership and engage in collective bargaining agreements.

Recently, there has been talk of Washington becoming a right-to-work state. Those who oppose it, such as the Washington State Labor Union Council, believe right-to-work laws are union-busters. The WSLC opposes the passage of any laws that limit worker protections.

What Are Employee Protections in Washington?

Washington may not be a right-to-work state, but it does offer worker protections.

• Equal pay in Washington applies to all genders
• Meal breaks are at least 30 minutes. The meal period has to happen between the second and fifth hour of the shift
• Overtime pay is 1.5 times the regular hourly pay for a Washington worker who puts in more than 40 hours of work in a workweek. This means their wage rate is increased by 1.5
• Open wage law in Washington means employers can't restrict employees or independent contractors from discussing wages.
• Employers must give rest breaks every four hours
• Washington's minimum wage is $16.28 as of 2024

There are exceptions to Washington's state minimum wage and overtime laws. Review the Washington Department of Labor and Industries website to view the current minimum wage and related worker rights laws.

Complaints against an employee for Equal Pay and Opportunities Act violations can be sent online or mailed to:

    Department of Labor & Industries
    Employment Standards
    P.O. Box 44510
    Olympia, WA 98504-4510

Can I Refuse to Pay Union Membership Dues in Washington?

The answer is "maybe."

Certain employees may be required to join a labor union if it represents workers at their place of employment. Those who refuse to join the union may need to pay for representation. This is because the person profits from the union's efforts. Unions negotiate for all employees' wages and benefits. Such "fair share" payments are often equivalent to the cost of union dues.

Learn more about Washington's right-to-work laws (or the lack of) below, with links to related resources. See FindLaw's Union Member Rights FAQs for more information.

Do Any Federal Laws Apply to Washington's Work Laws?

Since Washington does not have right-to-work laws, federal laws do apply. This means Washington employers can't discriminate based on ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Whistleblower laws concerning your work environment and any retaliation based on sexual assault or harassment are also prohibited.

Can the Washington Employment Security Department Help Me?

The Washington Employment Security Department handles unemployment benefits and paid leave if you are not in a union. Paid leave includes leave based on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which pays for employees' health care leave for themselves or a qualified family member.

Does Washington Have Workers' Compensation Laws?

Yes. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries protects workers' rights if they get injured at work. Workers' compensation pays for your medical care.

Contact a Washington Labor Lawyer

If you are working in the Seattle area or Washington or have a minor who works there, take the time to have a labor lawyer review your employment agreement before signing it.

Note: State laws surrounding labor laws and unions are constantly changing. Contact a Washington employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.