Silencing Employee Voices No More: Washington State's New Law Sets a New Standard for Workplace Transparency and Accountability
Washington State has taken a significant step in protecting the rights of employees by enacting the Silenced No More Act. This groundbreaking legislation prohibits nondisclosure and non-disparagement provisions in all employment agreements, including those with current, former, or prospective employees and independent contractors. This law covers a wide range of workplace conduct, including illegal discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-and-hour violations, and sexual assault, regardless of where they occur. The Silenced No More Act reflects a comprehensive approach to promoting workplace equity and justice. Unlike its predecessor, this law does not provide exceptions for settlement agreements of discrimination claims or lawsuits. Employers who violate it may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 in statutory damages, attorneys' fees, and costs. Furthermore, employers who discriminate or retaliate against employees for disclosing prohibited conduct or those requesting or enforcing prohibited provisions may face legal repercussions. This law is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the workplace across the state. It sets a new workplace fairness, transparency, and accountability standard that all employers should strive to meet.
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