July 18, 2019
As employers and employees are aware, the new Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program is currently being funded by premiums, paid by Washington employees and (many) Washington employers. While employees are not yet able to take advantage of these leave benefits, the state will begin accepting applications for the program starting January 1, 2020. […]
Read MoreApril 15, 2019
When crafting job advertisements, revising job applications, or drafting interview questions, employers should be aware that local and state laws now prohibit employers from making inquiries into an applicant’s criminal background until later in the hiring process. The City of Spokane enacted a “Ban the Box” ordinance (Ordinance No. C-35564) in June 2018; enforcement began […]
Read MoreMarch 14, 2019
Employers began collecting premiums for the program on Jan. 1, 2019, with benefit claims set to begin Jan. 1, 2020. All employers will continue to withhold premiums as usual and submit payments and reports for 2019 quarters one and two between July 1 – July 31, 2019. To read more about this announcement, click here. […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2019
Earlier this month, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued new proposed rules, raising the annual minimum salary threshold for “white collar” overtime exemptions (executive, administrative, and professional) to $679 per week ($35,308 annually). This is nearly a 50% increase from the current FLSA salary level of $455 per week ($23,660 annually) but well below […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2019
The Washington state legislature is currently considering a bill that would significantly impact an employer’s ability to use and enforce non-compete agreements with employees and independent contractors in nearly every profession, trade or business of any kind in the state. Key elements of the bill include: Noncompetition agreements are unenforceable unless the employee earns more […]
Read MoreMarch 7, 2019
With only 12 weeks before employer’s submissions are due, make sure you have the latest information. Click here to read an article from our partners at Jackson Lewis with all the details that you need to know.
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2019
Registration Now Open for Supervisor Boot Camp! Feb. 27th – March 1st | April 24th – 26th | Oct. 2nd – 5th Many supervisors are promoted into their positions without any formal training in supervision or management. Making the change from peer to the supervisor can be challenging for the employee and […]
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2019
Employment law remains one of the most consistently changing areas of law, and 2019 is no exception. Notably, Washington is looking at several impactful changes that will affect employers within the state: Minimum Wage Increase As a reminder, the minimum wage increased in Washington on January 1, 2019 to $12.00. In 2020, the minimum wage […]
Read MoreAugust 30, 2017
The Office of Information Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) just announced that the new pay data reporting portion of the EEO-1 report has been indefinitely postponed. The previously approved EEO-1 form should be utilized to comply with the March 31, 2018 filing deadline. For additional details please view the announcement from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As a reminder […]
Read MoreAugust 7, 2017
“New paid sick leave requirements drawing closer − rules process a chance for input in the Inland Northwest. Washington’s new mandatory paid sick leave law takes effect in less than six months, starting January 1, 2018. It’s a major change as a result of Initiative 1433, approved by voters last fall. The Department of Labor […]
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