Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Programs
Key Facts
- Rcw 49.46.200 Requires
- RCW 49.46.200 requires paid sick leave
- 1 Hour Earned
- 1 hour earned per 40 hours worked
- Rcw 50a.04 Establishes
- RCW 50A.04 establishes PFML program
- Up 12-18 Weeks
- Up to 12-18 weeks of paid family leave
- Premiums Fund Pfml
- Premiums fund the PFML program
Summary
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.
(1) Beginning January 1, 2018, except as provided in RCW 49.46.180, every employer shall provide each of its employees paid sick leave as follows: (a) An employee shall accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every forty hours worked as an employee. An employer may provide paid sick leave in advance of accrual provided that such front-loading meets or exceeds the requirements of this section for accrual, use, and carryover of paid sick leave.
Full Breakdown
Washington requires employers to provide paid sick leave under RCW 49.46.200, accruing at one hour per 40 hours worked, available for employee or family illness, medical appointments, and certain safe leave purposes. Separately, RCW chapter 50A administers Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), funded by payroll premiums shared between employers and employees. PFML provides up to 12 weeks (or up to 18 weeks combined) of partial wage replacement for serious health conditions, bonding with new children, qualifying military exigencies, and caring for family members. The Employment Security Department administers PFML. Cities may enact more generous paid leave but cannot reduce state-mandated benefits.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to provide paid sick leave or PFML premiums results in back pay, civil penalties, and potential L&I or ESD enforcement actions. Retaliation against leave users is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Washington paid sick leave?
How much paid family leave does Washington provide?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.