Washington Worker Rights
Washington State has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, required breaks, paid leave, and a state-run workers’ comp system, all managed largely by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- Washington
Pay
- Minimum wage: among the highest state minimums, adjusted each January for inflation. Seattle and some other cities are higher.
- Overtime: 1.5x over 40 hours a week.
- Prevailing wage: required on public works, administered by L&I with required filings by contractors.
- Wage complaints are handled by L&I at no cost.
Breaks and leave
- 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours; 10-minute paid rest break for each 4 hours worked.
- Paid sick leave: at least 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
- Paid Family and Medical Leave: a state insurance program that pays part of your wages for family or medical leave.
Workers’ compensation
Washington is one of the few states where workers’ comp insurance comes from a state fund run by L&I (some large employers self-insure). Workers pay a small part of the premium through payroll deduction.
Safety
Safety is enforced by L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). See Washington (DOSH).
Standards & references
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