Quick Answer
Comprehensive guide to Washington employment law covering WLAD discrimination protections, paid family leave, wage laws, and worker rights.
Washington provides some of the strongest worker protections in the nation. With comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, paid family and medical leave, mandatory paid sick leave, and the highest state minimum wage, Washington workers enjoy robust protections.
Quick Facts: Washington Employment Law
| Topic | Washington | Federal |
|---|---|---|
| Discrimination Law | WLAD (all employers) | Title VII (15+) |
| Minimum Wage | $16.66/hour | $7.25/hour |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes (PFML) | No |
| Paid Sick Leave | Yes (all employers) | No |
| Filing Deadline | 3 years (court) | 300 days (EEOC) |
Key Washington Protections
Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
Covers all employers:
- Race, color, national origin
- Religion, creed
- Sex, pregnancy
- Sexual orientation, gender identity
- Age (40+)
- Disability
- Marital status
- Military status
- Citizenship/immigration status
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Generous paid leave program:
- Up to 12 weeks family leave
- Up to 12 weeks medical leave
- Up to 16 weeks combined
- 90% wage replacement (up to cap)
Paid Sick Leave
All employers must provide:
- 1 hour per 40 hours worked
- No cap on accrual
- Use after 90 days
Wage and Hour Laws
Minimum Wage
$16.66/hour (2026)
- Highest state minimum in the nation
- Seattle: up to $19.97/hour
- Adjusts annually with inflation
Overtime
Time-and-a-half after 40 hours per workweek.
Mandatory Breaks
- 30-minute meal break
- 10-minute rest breaks
Filing Complaints
Washington Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1-800-233-3247 Website: hum.wa.gov
EEOC Seattle District Office
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Related Resources
- Washington Wrongful Termination
- Washington Workplace Discrimination
- Washington Workers' Compensation
- Seattle Employment Law
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about Washington employment law and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Washington employment attorney.
Official Resources:
- WA Human Rights Commission: hum.wa.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 1-800-233-3247
- EEOC: eeoc.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 1-800-669-4000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)?
What is paid Family and Medical Leave?
What is paid Sick Leave?
What is minimum Wage?
What is mandatory Breaks?
Explore Employment Law Topics
Washington Employment Contracts
Guide to Washington employment contracts including at-will presumption, restrictive covenants, severance agreements, and contract enforceability.
Washington Leave Laws
Comprehensive guide to Washington leave laws covering Paid Family Medical Leave, sick leave, and employee leave rights.
Washington Sexual Harassment Law
Comprehensive guide to Washington sexual harassment law covering WLAD protections, employer obligations, and employee rights.
Washington Wage and Hour Laws
Comprehensive guide to Washington wage and hour laws covering the nation's highest minimum wage, overtime, mandatory breaks, and worker protections.
Washington Workplace Discrimination Law
Comprehensive guide to Washington workplace discrimination law covering WLAD protections, protected classes, and filing complaints.
Washington Workplace Retaliation Law
Comprehensive guide to Washington workplace retaliation law covering whistleblower protections and employee rights.
Washington Wrongful Termination Law
Comprehensive guide to Washington wrongful termination law covering WLAD protections, public policy exceptions, and employee rights.
Washington Workers' Compensation
Complete guide to Washington workers' compensation including state-fund L&I system, filing process, time-loss benefits, and permanent partial disability awards.