Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

In Washington State, the law requiring employers to disclose wage and salary ranges in job postings is found in RCW 49.58.110. This statute is part of the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). Under this law, employers with 15 or more employees must provide a salary range or wage scale, along with a description of benefits, in any job posting that seeks to fill a position. The law’s goal is to promote pay transparency and help reduce wage disparities, particularly for historically marginalized groups. Noncompliance with the wage disclosure requirements can result in civil penalties, making it essential for Washington employers to ensure that their job advertisements comply with these rules. Private Attorneys can bring civil actions based on violations of RCW 49.58.110. Please call Nolan Lim Law Firm, PS if you have any questions about this law and your rights under it.

Wage Theft in Seattle’s Restaurant Industry: Know Your Rights

Seattle’s thriving restaurant industry provides jobs to many, but wage theft—when employers fail to pay workers what they’re owed—remains a significant issue. Despite Seattle’s strict labor laws, wage theft continues to impact restaurant workers. Here’s what restaurant employees need to know about wage theft and their legal rights. What Is Wage Theft? Wage theft occurs when employers don’t pay employees the full wages they’re entitled to. Common forms include: Wage Theft in Seattle Restaurants Restaurant workers are often vulnerable to wage theft for several reasons: Seattle’s Labor Laws and Penalties Seattle’s labor laws protect workers from wage theft and impose strict penalties for violations: Steps to Take if You’re a Victim of Wage Theft If you believe you’ve been subjected to wage theft: Conclusion Wage theft affects many restaurant workers, but Seattle’s strong labor protections give you the right to pursue justice. If your employer has underpaid you or denied overtime, you can file a complaint with the OLS and seek legal advice to hold them accountable.

LAYOFFS AND PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION

Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue that affects many women in the workforce. Despite laws such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, many women still face discrimination and mistreatment during their pregnancies. One form of discrimination that pregnant women may face is layoffs.Layoffs are a common occurrence in today’s workforce, and pregnant women are not immune to them. However, when a pregnant woman is laid off, it can be difficult to determine whether the layoff was due to her pregnancy or due to other factors such as company downsizing.If a pregnant woman is laid off and believes that her pregnancy was the reason for the layoff, she may have a case for pregnancy discrimination. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of their rights and to speak up if they believe they have been discriminated against.Courts will examine evidence to determine if a layoff was motivated by pregnancy. This can include circumstantial evidence such as a termination coinciding with maternity leave, managers inquiring about leave duration before a layoff, transferring job duties prior to leave, exclusion from trainings, and discussions about pregnancy during layoff decisions. See Moua v. IBM, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48318.If any of these facts present themselves for you or a coworker, they are worth discussing with potential legal counsel.

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