Paid Leave Preemption: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Washington RCW 49.46.200 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees, and RCW 50A.04 provides paid family and medical leave funded by payroll premiums.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma workers receive Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave under RCW 49.86 and statewide paid sick leave under RCW 49.46.200, with the city deferring to the state programs rather than running its own paid-leave system.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| PFML statute | - | RCW 49.86 |
| Sick leave statute | - | RCW 49.46.200 |
| Sick accrual | - | 1 hour per 40 worked |
| PFML duration | - | Up to 12 weeks |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Who qualifies for Washington paid sick leave?
Most non-exempt employees in Washington accrue paid sick leave from their first day of work under RCW 49.46.200.
How much paid family leave does Washington provide?
Up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave, with combined leave reaching 18 weeks for serious pregnancy complications.
Tacoma FAQ
Does Tacoma have its own paid sick leave law?
No. Tacoma defers to Washington's statewide paid sick leave law, RCW 49.46.200, which already requires accrual of one hour per 40 hours worked for every employer.
Who runs Washington PFML claims?
The Washington Employment Security Department administers PFML, processes weekly benefit claims, and collects premiums from both employees and qualifying employers under RCW 49.86.
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