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
Washington’s Paid Sick Leave Law Offers New Protections in 2025
Washington’s landmark paid sick leave law, SB 5793, takes effect on January 1, 2025, expanding worker protections. Employees, including...
2025 Brings New Minimum Wage and Employment Thresholds in Washington
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Washington’s minimum wage rises to $16.66 per hour, impacting workers and employers statewide. Youth wages (ages 14-15) will be $14.16. Higher thresholds apply in cities like Seattle. Overtime-exempt employees now require a minimum annual salary of $69,305.60 for small businesses and $77,968.80 for larger ones. Rideshare drivers will see updated minimums, including $5.95 for trips in Seattle. Additionally, non-compete clauses apply only to employees ear
Celebrating Excellence in Advocacy: Vera P. Fomina's Recognition in Washington Women Lawyers October Newsletter
We are pleased to announce that Skidmore & Fomina's founding member, Vera P. Fomina, was featured in our King County Washington Women Lawyers October Newsletter! Vera is a dynamic advocate who brings a wealth of experience to employment law, representing employees in discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. Known for her dedication and impressive track record in federal and state courts, she tirelessly pursues justice for her clients. Vera’s approa
Minimum Wage and Fair Pay for Gig Workers in Washington
Washington State is considering groundbreaking regulations to ensure gig economy workers, such as rideshare drivers and couriers, earn fair wages. The state’s proposals include mandating a minimum wage equivalent despite their independent contractor status. Pay transparency is another focal point, as lawmakers seek to require platforms to clearly explain how earnings are calculated, including fees and deductions. These changes aim to prevent worker exploitation and ensure fai
Jury Awards $237 Million in Landmark Workplace Discrimination Case
In a historic ruling, a Yakima jury awarded over $237 million to Tahvio Gratton, a former UPS driver who sued the company for racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. Gratton alleged he faced repeated mistreatment, including being called racial slurs by a supervisor and receiving less favorable assignments. Despite previous grievances, he was fired in 2021 over a disputed sexual harassment allegation. The jury awarded Gratton $39.6 million for emotional distress
Updates to Paid Sick Leave Law Expand Employee Rights
Starting January 1, 2025, Washington's Paid Sick Leave ("PSL") law will broaden its scope, expanding the definition of "family" to include individuals residing in the employee’s home and those with a care-based relationship. Additionally, "child" now consists of the spouse of the employee’s child. Employees can also use paid sick leave for school closures due to emergencies declared by the government beyond health-related reasons.
