Title 49 — Title 49 LABOR REGULATIONS
40 chapters · 645 sections in this title.
RCW 49.46.060 Exceptions for learners, apprentices, messengers, persons with disabilities.
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Subject to RCW 49.46.170, the director, to the extent necessary in order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, shall by regulations provide for (1) the employment of learners, of apprentices, and of messengers employed primarily in delivering letters and message…
RCW 49.46.065 Individual volunteering labor to state or local governmental agency—Amount reimbursed for expenses or received as nominal compensation not deemed salary for rendering services or affecting public retirement rights.
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When an individual volunteers his or her labor to a state or local governmental body or agency and receives pursuant to a statute or policy or an ordinance or resolution adopted by or applicable to the state or local governmental body or agency reimbursement in lieu of compensati…
RCW 49.46.070 Records of employer—Contents—Inspection—Sworn statement—Applicability.
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(1) Every employer subject to any provision of this chapter or of any regulation issued under this chapter shall make, and keep in or about the premises wherein any employee is employed, a record of the name, address, and occupation of each of his or her employees, the rate of pa…
RCW 49.46.080 New or modified regulations—Judicial review—Stay.
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(1) As new regulations or changes or modification of previously established regulations are proposed, the director shall call a public hearing for the purpose of the consideration and establishment of such regulations following the procedures used in the promulgation of standards…
RCW 49.46.090 Payment of amounts less than chapter requirements—Employer's liability—Assignment of claim.
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(1) Any employer who pays any employee less than the amounts to which such employee is entitled under or by virtue of this chapter, shall be liable to such employee affected for the full amount due to such employee under this chapter, less any amount actually paid to such employe…
RCW 49.46.100 Prohibited acts of employer—Penalty.
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(1) Any employer who hinders or delays the director or his or her authorized representatives in the performance of his or her duties in the enforcement of this chapter, or refuses to admit the director or his or her authorized representatives to any place of employment, or fails …
RCW 49.46.110 Collective bargaining not impaired.
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Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to interfere with, impede, or in any way diminish the right of employees to bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own choosing in order to establish wages or other conditions of work in excess of the app…
RCW 49.46.120 Chapter establishes minimum standards and is supplementary to other laws—More favorable standards unaffected.
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This chapter establishes minimum standards for wages, paid sick leave, and working conditions of all employees in this state, unless exempted herefrom, and is in addition to and supplementary to any other federal, state, or local law or ordinance, or any rule or regulation issued…
RCW 49.46.130 Minimum rate of compensation for employment in excess of forty hour workweek—Exceptions.
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(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no employer shall employ any of his or her employees for a workweek longer than forty hours unless such employee receives compensation for his or her employment in excess of the hours above specified at a rate not less than one an…
RCW 49.46.140 Notification of employers.
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The director of the department of labor and industries and the commissioner of employment security shall each notify employers of the requirements of chapter 289, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. through their regular quarterly notices to employers.[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 289 s 4.]
RCW 49.46.160 Automatic service charges.
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(1) An employer that imposes an automatic service charge related to food, beverages, entertainment, or porterage provided to a customer must disclose in an itemized receipt and in any menu provided to the customer the percentage of the automatic service charge that is paid or is …
RCW 49.46.170 Employment of individuals with disabilities at less than the minimum wage—State agencies prohibited.
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(1) Beginning July 1, 2020, no state agency may employ an individual to work under a special certificate issued under RCW 49.12.110 and 49.46.060 for the employment of individuals with disabilities at less than the minimum wage. Any special certificate issued by the director to a…
RCW 49.46.180 Paid sick leave—Construction workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement excluded.
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(1) The sick leave provisions of RCW 49.46.200 through 49.46.830 shall not apply to construction workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement, provided:(a) The union signatory to the collective bargaining agreement is an approved referral union program authorized under RC…
RCW 49.46.200 Paid sick leave.
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The demands of the workplace and of families need to be balanced to promote public health, family stability, and economic security. It is in the public interest to provide reasonable paid sick leave for employees to care for the health of themselves and their families. Such paid …
RCW 49.46.210 Paid sick leave—Authorized purposes—Limitations.
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(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…
RCW 49.46.300 Transportation network companies—Definitions—Driver compensation—Notice of rights—Electronic receipts—Weekly notice, trip information—Trip fee—Driver resource center—Rules.
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(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section and RCW 49.46.310 through 49.46.350 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(a) "Account deactivation" means one or more of the following actions with respect to an individual driver or group of drivers th…
RCW 49.46.310 Transportation network companies—Driver resource center fund—Selection of driver resource center—Intent.
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(1) The legislature recognizes that providing education and outreach to drivers regarding their rights and obligations furthers the state's interest in having a vibrant knowledgeable workforce and safe and satisfied consumers. The legislature therefore intends to create a way of …
RCW 49.46.320 Transportation network companies—Department investigation of compensation-related complaints—Penalties—Appeals—Orders—Private right of action.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1)(a) If a driver files a complaint with the department alleging that a transportation network company failed to provide any compensation amounts due to the driver under RCW 49.46.300, the department shall investigate the complaint unde…
RCW 49.46.330 Transportation network companies—Department investigation of noncompensation requirements—Penalties—Appeals—Orders.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1) If a driver files a complaint with the department alleging a violation of any noncompensation requirement of RCW 49.46.300 (7) through (10) and (12) through (14), the department shall investigate the complaint under this section.(a) …
RCW 49.46.340 Transportation network companies—Unlawful practices—Retaliation—Penalties—Request for reconsideration—Appeals.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1) It is unlawful for a transportation network company to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any driver right provided under or in connection with RCW 49.46.300 and 49.46.210(5). This means a transportation network compan…
RCW 49.46.350 Transportation network companies—Paid sick time—Department investigation—Notice of assessment—Rules.
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(1) If a driver files a complaint with the department alleging that the transportation network company failed to provide the driver with earned paid sick time as provided in RCW 49.46.210, the department shall investigate the complaint as an alleged violation of a compensation-re…
RCW 49.46.360 Adult entertainment establishments—Age restrictions—Fees—Tips—Notice of reason for termination—Enforcement—Definitions.
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(1) No adult entertainment establishment may allow any person under the age of 18 on the premises. If an establishment serves alcohol, the establishment may not allow any person under the age of 21 on the premises. This includes, but is not limited to, any employee, entertainer, …
RCW 49.46.370 Employee immigration status coercion.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL) ****** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1) Any employer that coerces an employee in furtherance of the employer committing a violation of wage payment requirements as defined in chapter 49.48 RCW, condition of labor requirements as de…
RCW 49.46.380 Material recovery facility—Minimum industry standard compensation—Investigation—Rule making.
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(1) Employers associated with a material recovery facility that annually manages 25,000 tons or more of covered materials under chapter 70A.208 RCW must ensure that workers at the facility receive minimum industry standard compensation, beginning October 1, 2028.(2) Employers are…
RCW 49.46.800 Rights and remedies—Long-term care individual providers covered under this chapter—Definitions—Compensable hours.
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(1) All existing rights and remedies available under state or local law for enforcement of the minimum wage shall be applicable to enforce all of the rights established under chapter 2, Laws of 2017.(2)(a) If the department of social and health services contracts with an individu…
RCW 49.46.810 Adoption, implementation of rules.
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The state department of labor and industries must adopt and implement rules to carry out and enforce chapter 2, Laws of 2017, including but not limited to procedures for notification to employees and reporting regarding sick leave, and protecting employees from retaliation for th…
RCW 49.46.820 Chapter 2, Laws of 2017 to be liberally construed—Local jurisdictions may adopt more favorable labor standards.
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The provisions of chapter 2, Laws of 2017 are to be liberally construed to effectuate the intent, policies, and purposes of chapter 2, Laws of 2017. Nothing in chapter 2, Laws of 2017 precludes local jurisdictions from enacting additional local fair labor standards that are more …
RCW 49.46.830 Chapter 2, Laws of 2017 subject to investigation and recordkeeping provisions.
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Chapter 2, Laws of 2017 shall be codified in chapter 49.46 RCW and is subject to RCW 49.46.040 (Investigation, etc.) and RCW 49.46.070 (Recordkeeping).[ 2017 c 2 s 12 (Initiative Measure No. 1433, approved November 8, 2016).]Notes:Intent—Effective date—2017 c 2 (Initiative Measur…
RCW 49.46.910 Short title.
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This chapter may be known and cited as the "Washington Minimum Wage Act."[ 1961 ex.s. c 18 s 6; 1959 c 294 s 14.]
RCW 49.46.920 Effective date—1975 1st ex.s. c 289.
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This 1975 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect September 1, 1975.[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 289 s 5.]
RCW 49.48.010 Payment of wages/nonsufficient funds—Employer must reimburse employee for fees charged—Exception—Payment of wages due to employee ceasing work to be at end of pay period—Exceptions—Authorized deductions or withholdings.
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(1)(a) When any employer pays an employee's wages with any instrument defined by RCW 62A.3-104 that is subsequently returned for nonsufficient funds, the employer shall reimburse the employee for a fee charged by the employee's financial institution for the dishonored instrument …
RCW 49.48.020 Penalty for noncompliance with RCW 49.48.010 through 49.48.030 and 49.48.060.
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Any person, firm, or corporation which violates any of the provisions of RCW 49.48.010 through 49.48.030 and 49.48.060 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.[ 1971 ex.s. c 55 s 2; 1933 ex.s. c 20 s 1; 1888 c 128 s 2; RRS s 7595.]Notes:Wages—Deductions—Rebates, authorized withholding: …
RCW 49.48.030 Penalty for noncompliance with RCW 49.48.010 through 49.48.030 and 49.48.060.
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In any action in which any person is successful in recovering judgment for wages or salary owed to him or her, reasonable attorney's fees, in an amount to be determined by the court, shall be assessed against said employer or former employer: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That this section …
RCW 49.48.040 Enforcement of wage claims—Issuance of subpoenas—Compliance.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6058.SL) ***(1) The department of labor and industries may:(a) Upon obtaining information indicating an employer may be committing a violation under chapters 39.12, 49.46, and 49.48 RCW, conduct investigations to ensure compliance with chapters 39.12, …
RCW 49.48.050 Remedy cumulative.
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Nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit the authority of the prosecuting attorney of any county to prosecute actions, both civil and criminal, for such violations of RCW 49.48.040 through 49.48.080 as may come to his or her knowledge, or to enforce the provisions her…
RCW 49.48.060 Penalty for noncompliance with RCW 49.48.010 through 49.48.030 and 49.48.060.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL) ***(1) If upon investigation by the director, after taking assignments of any wage claim under RCW 49.48.040 or after receiving a wage complaint as defined in RCW 49.48.082 from an employee, it appears to the director that the employer is re…
RCW 49.48.070 Enforcement.
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It shall be the duty of the director of labor and industries to inquire diligently for any violations of RCW 49.48.040 through 49.48.080, and to institute the actions for penalties herein provided, and to enforce generally the provisions of RCW 49.48.040 through 49.48.080.[ 1935 …
RCW 49.48.075 Reciprocal enforcement agreements with other states.
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(1) The director of labor and industries, or the director's designee, may enter into reciprocal agreements with the labor department or corresponding agency of any other state or with the person, board, officer, or commission authorized to act on behalf of such department or agen…
RCW 49.48.080 Public employees excluded.
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Nothing in RCW 49.48.040 through 49.48.080 shall apply to the payment of wages or compensation of employees directly employed by any county, incorporated city or town, or other municipal corporation. Nor shall anything herein apply to employees, directly employed by the state, an…
RCW 49.48.082 Wage complaints—Definitions.
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The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 49.48.083 through 49.48.086:(1) "Citation" means a written determination by the department that a wage payment requirement has been violated.(2) "Department" means the department of labor and industries.(3) "De…
RCW 49.48.083 Wage complaints—Duty of department to investigate—Citations and notices of assessment—Civil penalties.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6058.SL) ****** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL) ****** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1) If an employee files a wage complaint with the department, the department shall investigate the wage complaint. Unless otherwise resolved, the departme…
RCW 49.48.084 Wage complaints—Administrative appeals.
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(1) A person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by a citation and notice of assessment or a determination of compliance issued by the department under RCW 49.48.083 or the assessment of civil penalty due to a determination of status as a repeat willful violator may appeal the citati…
RCW 49.48.085 Wage complaints—Employee termination of administrative action.
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(1) An employee who has filed a wage complaint with the department may elect to terminate the department's administrative action, thereby preserving any private right of action, by providing written notice to the department within ten business days after the employee's receipt of…
RCW 49.48.086 Collection procedures.
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(1) After a final order is issued under RCW 49.48.084, if an employer defaults in the payment of: (a) Any wages determined by the department to be owed to an employee, including interest; or (b) any civil penalty ordered by the department under RCW 49.48.083, the director may fil…
RCW 49.48.087 Rules.
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The director may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of RCW 49.48.082 through 49.48.086.[ 2006 c 89 s 6.]Notes:Captions not law—2006 c 89: See note following RCW 49.48.082.
RCW 49.48.090 Assignment of wages—Requisites to validity.
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No assignment of, or order for, wages to be earned in the future to secure a loan of less than three hundred dollars, shall be valid against an employer of the person making said assignment or order unless said assignment or order is accepted in writing by the employer, and said …
RCW 49.48.100 Written consent of spouse required.
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No assignment of, or order for, wages to be earned in the future shall be valid, when made by a married person, unless the written consent of the other spouse to the making of such assignment or order is attached thereto.[ 1972 ex.s. c 108 s 7; 1909 c 32 s 2; RRS s 7598.]
RCW 49.48.115 Employer defined.
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For the purposes of RCW 49.48.120 the word "employer" shall include every person, firm, partnership, corporation, the state of Washington, and all municipal corporations.[ 1939 c 139 s 1; RRS s 1464-1. Formerly RCW 49.48.120, part.]
RCW 49.48.120 Payment on employee's death.
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(1) If at the time of the death of any person, his or her employer is indebted to him or her for work, labor, and services performed, and no executor or administrator of his or her estate has been appointed, the employer shall upon the request of the surviving spouse pay the inde…
RCW 49.48.125 Repeat willful violators—Civil penalties.
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2479-S2.SL) ***(1) The department shall assess a civil penalty against any repeat willful violator in an amount of not less than one thousand dollars or an amount equal to ten percent of the total amount of unpaid wages, whichever is greater. The maxim…