News for Human Resources
Changes to paid sick leave for unionized construction workers
Very little reporting has focused on a new law, signed by Governor Inslee on April 30, 2019, that significantly changes the Paid Sick Leave Law (RCW 49.46.210) for construction workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Posted on: 08/21/2019
New pay-equity legislation bars employers from seeking applicant’s wage and salary history
In 2018, Washington State joined the ranks of states enacting expanded legislation designed to achieve gender-based pay equity when it enacted the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (the “EPOA”).
Posted on: 07/15/2019
L&I announces new draft overtime rule with salary threshold of $80K
L&I formally announced a new draft overtime rule that would raise the threshold for overtime-exempt employees to nearly $80,000 by 2026. If the rule is adopted, employers will need to pay salaried employees at least that amount or convert them to hourly workers, in essence creating a new super minimum wage.
Posted on: 06/18/2019
Legislature reinstates affirmative action with the passing of I-1000
During the final hours of the past legislative session, the Legislature passed I-1000, an initiative amending the previously enacted I-200, which banned affirmative action efforts in Washington.
Posted on: 05/20/2019
Legislature passes Initiative 1000 regarding affirmative action
In a surprise and last-minute move, the Legislature passed Initiative 1000 which would once again allow affirmative action programs in the state.
Posted on: 04/30/2019
Pay data for Obama-Era EEO-1 report potentially due Sept. 30, 2019
Pending court approval, AGC calls for more time to comply
Posted on: 04/04/2019
Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds office available to help
The Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds recently launched its new website with information about services and resources for workers and employers who need help resolving issues with the Employment Security Department and the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
Posted on: 04/04/2019
AGC seeks changes to burdensome overtime draft rule
The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is changing employment rules that determine which salaried employees in Washington are required by law to receive overtime pay, minimum wage and paid sick leave.
Posted on: 12/18/2018
L&I hosts webinars on Equal-Pay Opportunity Act
On June 7, 2018, the Equal-Pay Opportunity Act (EPOA) went into effect, making updates to the Washngton State Equal Pay Act of 1943.
Posted on: 12/04/2018
Don’t be caught unaware! Plan NOW for family leave premium collections to begin Jan. 1
On Jan. 1, 2019, employers need to begin collecting paid family and medical leave premiums; budget for the employer share of the premium; and begin tracking hours and wages of all employees, including seasonal, temporary and part-time workers.
Posted on: 11/19/2018
L&I proposes new overtime rules
The Department of Labor and Industries is in the process of updating rules regarding exemptions to the minimum-wage act (MWA) which exempts executive, administrative and professional (EAP) workers.
Posted on: 11/06/2018
Is your employee Washington-based, for minimum-wage and sick-leave purposes?
One of the lingering questions regarding the state’s new minimum wage and paid sick leave law, which went into effect Jan. 1 2018, is how “Washington-based employees” will be defined.
Posted on: 11/06/2018
New law may require employers to send child-support payments electronically
Employers of all sizes are valuable partners with the Department of Social and Health Services Division of Child Support (DCS). By reporting new hires, processing Income Withholding for Support orders (IWO), and sending payments to us, you help DCS collect more than 65 percent of the nearly $700 million we collect for families each year.
Posted on: 11/06/2018
L&I working on new overtime rules; comments welcome
The Department of Labor and Industries has announced its intention to conduct rulemaking on the executive, administrative, professional (EAP), and outside sales person exemption to Minimum Wage Act rules under WAC 296-128.
Posted on: 08/13/2018
Heads up: New paid family/medical leave taxes begin Jan. 1, 2019
Taxes to fund the paid family- and medical-leave program passed by the Legislature last year will be collected starting Jan. 1, 2019 -- but the benefits won’t be available to be taken until Jan. 1, 2020.
Posted on: 04/23/2018
Take note of prevailing wage, apprenticeship changes
Among the bills passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor during the recently concluded legislative session were these measures:
Posted on: 03/28/2018
Pay equity, sexual harassment and other HR bills signed into law
In the legislative session that concluded earlier this month, the Legislature passed these measures that have since been signed into law by the Governor.
Posted on: 03/28/2018
Final sick-leave rule is out: What you need to know
AGC is sponsoring a presentation and webinar by Darren Feider of Sebris Busto to answer all your questions about the new paid sick leave law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
Posted on: 10/23/2017
Acceptable worksites: new City of Seattle specification provisions now in effect
The City of Seattle’s City Purchasing & Contracting Services recently revised its General Special Provisions for City construction contracts to add new “Acceptable Worksite” language.
Posted on: 07/11/2017
Legislature passes compromise paid family-leave bill
The Legislature passed and Governor signed a compromise family leave bill that included significant elements sought by the business community.
Posted on: 07/10/2017
L&I says contractors can now submit certified payrolls electronically
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently launched the option for contractors to upload payroll records on public works projects to create certified payroll reports.
Posted on: 07/10/2017
Pregnancy accommodations bill signed into law
On May 16, Gov. Inslee signed SSB 5835, requiring businesses with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant women. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, and takes effect July 23, 2017.
Posted on: 05/23/2017
AGC supports occupational disease case before State Supreme Court
AGC has thrown its support behind a State Supreme Court case that could be a very significant public polity case dealing with occupational disease causation that could ultimately impact workers’ comp rates.
Posted on: 05/08/2017
Minimum wage climbing to $11 in 2017; paid sick leave starts in 2018
The minimum wage in Washington will increase to $11 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2017, and to $13.50 by 2020.
Posted on: 12/12/2016
Employers note: New overtime rule takes effect Dec. 1
On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the new federal overtime rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act.