Paid Family and Medical Leave Premium Allocation Changes
Effective June 11, 2026, Washington amended its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premium structure through HB 2345 in response to recent Internal Revenue Service guidance. The legislation modifies how employer and employee contributions are allocated between the family leave and medical leave portions of the program while maintaining the overall premium rate. According to the Employment Security Department, the changes are intended to reduce federal tax consequences for e
Washington Prohibits Employer-Mandated Microchipping
Effective June 11, 2026, Washington employers may not request, require, or coerce employees or job applicants to have a microchip or other tracking device implanted in their bodies as a condition of employment. The new law reflects growing concerns regarding employee privacy, bodily autonomy, and workplace surveillance technologies. Employees who believe their rights have been violated may bring a civil action seeking injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages, and r
Boeing Mechanic Wage Class Action Takes Off in Washington
A proposed class action lawsuit against Boeing alleges that the company underpaid thousands of Washington state mechanics and assembly workers by requiring off-the-clock work and failing to provide proper compensation for meal and rest breaks. The suit, brought by former employee Alexander Lara-Trespalacios, claims workers were not paid for time spent preparing for shifts, such as putting on protective gear, and were pressured to attend trainings or continue working during br
Paid Family & Medical Leave Protections Expanded in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will offer stronger job protections for employees who take leave. This means workers will have greater assurance that they can return to their position—or an equivalent role—after their leave ends. The updated rules expand eligibility, allowing more employees at smaller and mid-size businesses to qualify for job-protected PFML. This change supports a wider range of workers and reinforces Washi
Washington Workers Get a Boost: New Minimum Wage and Salary Thresholds for 2026
Good news for Washington employees — the state minimum wage is set to increase to $17.13 per hour in 2026. The 2.8% rise reflects ongoing inflation adjustments that keep workers’ earnings aligned with real living costs. The new year will also bring a higher salary threshold for overtime exemption, now $1,541.70 per week, ensuring that more salaried employees qualify for overtime pay. Even rideshare drivers will see pay increases, with updated per-minute and per-mile rates. Wa
When Persistence Pays: Xerox Call Center Employees Secure $9.1M
More than 5,700 Xerox employees have proven that perseverance matters. After over a decade in court, workers secured a $9.1 million settlement over claims that Xerox’s compensation structure violated minimum wage laws. The suit challenged the legality of the ABC plan—a performance-based system that allegedly underpaid employees. Even workers dismissed from the case earlier this year will share in the outcome. This historic result shows that when workers stand together, the la
New Worker Protections Set to Take Effect in Washington State
Effective July 1 and July 27, 2025, Washington State will implement new employment protections designed to promote equitable workplace practices and enhance employee rights. HB 1905 extends anti-discrimination coverage to include additional protected characteristics such as national origin, citizenship status, and disability. HB 1747 prohibits inquiries into criminal history before a conditional offer of employment and requires employers to provide a legitimate business reaso
Fairness Without Labels: Supreme Court Expands Protection Against Workplace Discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court has clarified a powerful message for employers: discrimination laws protect everyone — not just minorities. In a unanimous decision, the Court sided with an Ohio woman who claimed she was passed over for promotion and later demoted because she is straight. Writing for the Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stated that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act applies equally to all individuals, regardless of whether they are in a majority or minority group. T
Know Your File, Know Your Rights: New Bill Empowers Washington Workers
Washington’s House Bill 1308 is transforming how employees access their personnel files. Sponsored by a robust coalition of legislators, the bill requires private employers to provide current and former employees with a copy of their personnel records within 21 days of a request—at no cost. It also mandates written discharge statements upon request and introduces statutory damages if employers fail to comply. This law aims to close loopholes in existing access rules and provi
Washington Mandates 60-Day Warning for Major Layoffs and Closures
In April 2025, Washington State enacted Senate Bill 5525, requiring large employers to give a 60-day notice before mass layoffs or business closures. Modeled after the federal WARN Act but with stronger provisions, the law applies to companies with 50 or more full-time employees. Employers must notify affected workers, their unions, and the Employment Security Department. The notice must include the reason for the action, affected job titles, and closure or layoff dates. Exce
