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Washington (WA) Labor and Employment Laws

September 23rd, 2006 Posted by Marilyn

All states have laws in place to govern employment practices and the State of Washington is certainly no exception. Most people are only concerned with the payment of wages and don’t realize how many laws there are to protect them whether they are an employee or an employer. These laws set guidelines for employers to follow in the treatment of workers and management of workplaces. The laws also afford workers rights but there are standards by which they are expected to conduct themselves as well.

Washington (WA) Labor and Employment Laws include a very unique minimum wage law. The minimum wage is recalculated yearly based on a cost-of-living adjustment for workers age 16 and older. 14 and 15 year olds may be paid 85 percent of the minimum wage. For 2006 the minimum wage is $7.63 per hour. Washington is also one of a small number of states that requires employers to offer breaks and meal times. If more than five hours are worked in a shift an employee must be offered at least a thirty minute break for a meal. If they are relieved of all their duties the break does not have to be paid. Workers must also be allowed a paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for each 4 hours worked.

Washington (WA) Labor and Employment Laws also impose strict safety standards on employers. This is also where employee responsibility comes in. As an employee you are expected to Study and follow all safe practices that apply to your work and to cooperate with all other employees in the workplace to try to eliminate on-the-job injuries and illnesses. The employers responsibility is to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and to establish, supervise, and enforce effective rules that lead to a safe and healthy work environment.