Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program (RCW 49.86) provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave, and RCW 49.46.200 requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked.
Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program, RCW 49.86, took effect for benefits in 2020. Employees who work 820 hours in the qualifying period can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave, with up to 18 weeks combined in some cases, funded by joint employer-employee premiums collected by the Employment Security Department. Separately, RCW 49.46.200 requires accrual of one hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked, usable for the worker's or family member's illness. Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance offers additional protections.
Employers that fail to remit Paid Family Medical Leave premiums, deny eligible leave, or violate accrual rules can face back wages, restoration, civil penalties, and audit assessments by the Employment Security Department and Labor and Industries.
See how Federal Way's paid leave preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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