(1) It is unlawful for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any worker's rights provided under or in connection with this chapter. This means an employer may not use a worker's exercise of any of the rights provided under this chapter as a negative factor in any employment action such as evaluation, promotion, or termination, or otherwise subject a worker to discipline for the exercise of any rights provided under this chapter, except that an employer is not prohibited from taking actions required by state or federal law.
(2) It is unlawful for an employer to take any adverse action against a worker because the worker has exercised their rights provided under this chapter. Such rights include, but are not limited to: Filing a complaint or action, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter; participating in any investigation or proceeding regarding any rights provided under this chapter; or testifying or intending to testify in any such proceeding related to any rights provided under this chapter.
(3) "Adverse action" means any action taken or threatened by an employer against a worker for their exercise of rights under this chapter, which may include, but is not limited to:
(a) Denying access to, or delaying payment for, minimum wages, agreed or obligated wages, overtime wages, paid sick leave, piece rate compensation, commissions, nondiscretionary compensation or bonuses, all tips and gratuities, and all service charges, except those service charges itemized as not being payable to the worker or workers servicing the customer;
(b) Terminating, suspending, demoting, or denying a promotion;
(c) Reducing the number of work hours for which the worker is scheduled;
(d) Altering the worker's preexisting work schedule;
(e) Reducing the worker's rate of pay; or
(f) Threatening to take, or taking action, based upon the immigration status of a worker or a worker's family member.
[ 2026 c 240 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 240 ss 4-10: See note following RCW 49.97.040.