Washington Predictable Scheduling Local Authority

Washington state has not enacted a comprehensive predictable scheduling or fair workweek law applicable statewide. The state minimum wage and wage payment provisions appear in RCW 49.46 and RCW 49.48. Because Washington does not broadly preempt local labor regulation, several cities have adopted secure scheduling ordinances. Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance, in effect since 2017, covers retail and food service employees of large employers, requiring advance schedules, predictability pay for changes, and access to additional hours before new hires. Other municipalities have considered similar measures. Statewide rest break, meal break, and overtime rules continue to apply under RCW 49.12 and Department of Labor and Industries regulations.

Statewide wage and hour violations under RCW 49.46 result in back pay, liquidated damages, and civil penalties. Local secure scheduling violations carry separate municipal penalties.