Worker Scheduling Preemption: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do worker scheduling preemption rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Washington has no statewide predictable scheduling law and does not preempt local rules, allowing cities like Seattle to enforce secure scheduling ordinances.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance SMC 14.22 requires large retail and food-service employers (500+ employees worldwide; 40+ for full-service restaurants) to give 14 days advance notice of schedules and pay premiums for last-minute changes.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code section | - | SMC 14.22 |
| Notice period | - | 14 days advance |
| Coverage | - | 500+ retail; 40+ restaurant |
| Clopening rest | - | 10 hours minimum |
| Predictability pay | - | 1 hour or half |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Does Washington have a state predictable scheduling law?
No, Washington has no statewide secure scheduling law. Some cities like Seattle enforce local scheduling ordinances.
Can Washington cities regulate work scheduling?
Yes, Washington does not preempt local scheduling regulation, allowing cities to adopt fair workweek ordinances.
Seattle FAQ
Which employers are covered?
Retail and food-service employers with 500+ employees worldwide are covered, plus full-service restaurants with 500+ employees and 40+ locations globally; smaller businesses are exempt.
What is predictability pay?
When the employer changes a posted schedule, workers earn one extra hour at base rate for added time and half-time pay for hours that are cancelled, reduced, or moved with under 14 days notice.
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