State and Federal Resources

Washington State

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

This state-wide agency administers laws like the Washington State Minimum Wage Act, statewide Paid Sick and Safe Leave (I-1433), and the Washington State Industrial Health and Safety Act, among others. To find out more, visit their website by clicking here.

Washington State Minimum Wage Act

The Washington State Minimum Wage Act establishes the minimum wage that most Washington State employees must earn for hours that they work. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries administers this law. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Washington State Paid Sick and Safe Leave (Initiative 1433)

As of January 1, 2018, employers in Washington State are required to provide paid sick leave to their Washington employees. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries administers this law. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Washington State Domestic Violence Leave Act

Washington State provides survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking the opportunity to take time off from work for their own personal critical safety issue or that of a qualifying family member. Employees can use any available leave including: paid time off, paid sick leave, and leave without pay. This law also requires employers to request safety accommodations at their place of work, including: job transfer or reassignment, changing work telephone or email, and implementing safety procedures. For more information, please visit Washington State Department of Labor & Industries webpage.

Washington Family Care Act

The Washington Family Care Act allows employees to take any paid leave offered by their employer to provide treatment or supervision for a child with a health condition or care for a qualifying family member with a serious or emergency health condition. For more information , please visit Washington State Department of Labor & Industries webpage.

Washington State Industrial Health and Safety Act

The Washington State Industrial Health and Safety Act requires employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries administers this law. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Worker's Compensation

Washington State Worker's Compensation pays for medical care directly related to a workplace accident or illness. If an employee is unable to work following an injury, they may be eligible for a portion of their lost wages. For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website by clicking here.

Washington State Employment Security Department

The Washington State Employment Security Department is the state agency that administers unemployment insurance programs and the Washington State Paid Family & Medical leave insurance program. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Washington State Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment benefits provide eligible workers with temporary income when they lose their job through no fault of their own. The money partly replaces lost earnings and helps workers pay expenses while they look for new work. The Washington State Employment Security Department administers this benefit program. For more information, visit their website by clicking here. 

Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave

Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave is a new state-run insurance benefit that passed in 2017. Beginning in 2020, most employees can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave for: bonding after the birth or placement of a child; an employee's series health condition; a serious health condition of a qualifying family member; and certain military events. This Washington State Employment Security Department administers this benefit program.  For more information, visit their website by clicking here.   

United States (Federal)

United States Department of Labor

This federal agency administers laws like the Federal Law Standards Act, among others. To learn more, please visit their website by clicking here.

Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.  The United States Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division administers this law.  For more information, visit their by clicking here.

COVID-19 Resource: Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) 

The FFCRA requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law's paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration administers this law. For more information, please visit their website here.