

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.


New Protections Under Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act
Effective July 1, 2025, Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act ("EPOA") will extend protections to cover additional categories,...


King County's $20.29 Minimum Wage Ordinance
Effective January 1, 2025, a new minimum wage ordinance will require all employers in unincorporated King County to pay $20.29 per hour,...


Supreme Court Ruling Challenges Federal Employment Regulations
A recent Supreme Court ruling shifts power from the executive branch to the judiciary, overturning the 1984 Chevron doctrine. This change...


Ensuring Workplace Safety: Understanding Washington's New Law on Warehouse Quotas
Washington's House Bill (HB) 1762, effective July 1, 2024, is a significant step towards addressing high injury rates in warehouse...


Washington's Upcoming Law on Mandatory Meetings: Essential Updates for Employers
Starting June 6, 2024, a new Washington law will forbid employers from compelling employees to attend meetings centered on the employer's...


Washington's Updated Non-compete Laws
In 2019, Washington passed a law restricting the use of post-employment non-competition covenants for certain employees. While this law...




















