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Employer Alerts & Employment Law Updates

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    Megan Livres | Legal Counsel

    Heat and Smoke Precautions for Outdoor Workers

    The onset of summer brings with it the risk of excessive heat and wildfire smoke. The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has several rules in place to protect farm and construction workers, roofers, road crews, and anyone else who works outside. Make sure that your workforce is ready by understanding the following rules:

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    What Employers Need to Know about Hiring Minor Workers

    For some Washington employers, the start of summer means the addition of seasonal workers, particularly minor workers who are out of school. If your business is preparing to hire any worker under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following requirements and legislative developments related to minor workers:

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    2026 Salary Threshold & Minimum Wage Updates in Washington State

    Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries announced that the 2026 state minimum wage will increase 2.8% next year to $17.13 per hour for workers ages 16 and older, and $14.56 per hour for workers aged 14 and 15. These changes will take effect January 1, 2026.
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    Washington Supreme Court Reaches Decision in Pay Transparency Case

    Recently, the Washington Supreme Court issued its decision in Branson v. Washington Fine Wine & Spirits regarding the definition of a “job applicant” under Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (“EPOA”). In the decision, the Court held that any person who applies to a job posting that does not comply with the requirements under the EPOA may seek damages under the statute, regardless of whether the individual is a bona fide applicant or actually desired to be employed in the position for which they applied. (Note: Associated Industries first alerted members to this issue and the pending litigation in an Employer Alert last December.)
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    Employment law

    Minor Changes to Form I-9 and E-Verify


    Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced minor changes to the Form I-9 to align with statutory language. The changes update language in the document that was included in previous editions of the Form I-9 released under the Biden administration.

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    Job Posting Requirments

    As a reminder, pursuant to amendments to state law effective January 1, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees must include in all job postings: (1) a wage scale or salary range, (2) a general description of all benefits, and (3) a general description of other compensation. The requirements stem from amended portions of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (“EPOA”). Under the EPOA, a “posting” means any solicitation aimed at recruiting candidates for a specific job opening, whether conducted directly by the employer or indirectly through a third party.
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    WA Cares Act Update- November 2024

    Last week, Washington voters rejected state ballot Initiative 2124, which aimed to change the law governing the WA Cares Fund. The initiative would have allowed Washingtonians to opt out of paying assessments for and receiving benefits from, the state-run long-term health care insurance program.

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