Frequently Asked Questions are now available
Starting January 1, 2018, all Washington employers regardless of size must offer paid sick leave to certain employees. Eligible employees will be entitled to accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Starting January 1, 2018, Washington employers must also increase the minimum wage they pay to their employees to $11.50 per hour. Certain cities already require a higher minimum wage. Both of these requirements are the result of Initiative 1433 that passed in 2016.
Employers must notify their employees about the availability of this new, legally mandated employee benefit, and depending on how employers intend to comply with the new law, they may need to implement written paid sick leave policies. Employers who currently offer paid leave of any sort will need to review and potentially revise their policies, including any disciplinary policies related to attendance, to ensure compliance with the new law.
JDSA Law traveled throughout Central Washington in November, informing employers about the new law. If you missed the presentations, you can read the highlights including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on the JDSA Blog.
For more information, contact Kristin Ferrera or Rita Lovett for assistance.