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.
Washington runs two main paid-leave programs that cover Tacoma workers. Paid Family and Medical Leave under RCW 49.86 provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave for serious health conditions, bonding, and qualifying military events, funded by a payroll premium split between employees and employers with 50 or more workers. Statewide paid sick leave under RCW 49.46.200 requires every employer to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, available for use after 90 days. Tacoma does not operate a separate local paid-leave fund. Employers track accrual and provide notice on pay stubs.
Failing to allow paid sick leave accrual, retaliating against PFML claims, or under-remitting PFML premiums can lead to Washington Employment Security Department investigations, back pay, and penalties.
See how Tacoma's paid leave preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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