Washington Employment Law Update – April 2018

Labor Relations

On March 23, 2018, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed three bills (H.B. 2751, S.B. 6229, and S.B. 6231) covering the following:

• The deduction of union dues and fees from employees.
• The requirement of employers to provide exclusive bargaining representatives reasonable access to new employees to present information about representation.
• The statute of limitations for unfair labor practice complaints filed in superior court.

The laws are effective June 7, 2018.

Read H.B. 2751, S.B. 6229, and S.B. 6231

Gender Pay Equity

On March 21, 2018, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation (H.B. 1506) addressing workplace practices to achieve gender pay equity. The law updates the existing Washington Equal Pay Act to address income disparities, employer discrimination, and retaliation practices.

The law is effective June 7, 2018.

Read WA H.B. 1506

Industrial Safety Act Amended

On March 21, 2018, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation (H.B. 1953) addressing maximum penalties under the state’s Industrial Safety and Health Act.

The law is effective January 1, 2019.

Read WA H.B. 1953

Sexual Assault in the Workplace

On March 21, 2018, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation (S.B. 5996) prohibiting an employer from requiring an employee, as a condition of employment, to sign a nondisclosure agreement, waiver, or other document that prevents the employee from disclosing sexual harassment or sexual assault occurring in the workplace. Under the law, such signed nondisclosure agreements are against public policy and are void and unenforceable.

The law is effective June 7, 2018.

Read WA S.B. 5996