The law does not require a business to give a worker notice before
terminating their job. Nor does the law require workers to give notice
before quitting. However, the business may make payment of benefits
(such as vacation pay) a condition of the worker giving notice.
Yes. Washington is what's called an "at will" state. Businesses
may fire "at will." There are no laws regarding dismissal,
so businesses are not required to give warnings or follow any particular
steps.
Workers may request the reason for discharge by sending a written
request to the business for a signed written statement of the reason
for discharge and the effective date.
Businesses must respond to the
request in writing within 10 days of receipt of the worker’s
request. If a worker wants to write a letter requesting a written
reason for being fired, the worker should be sure to date the letter,
keep a copy of it, and send it to the business by certified mail,
return receipt requested. This provides evidence of when the request
was sent and whether or not the business received it.
Workers may seek the advice of a private attorney about filing a
suit for wrongful termination. Workers may also contact the Human
Rights Commission at 1-800-233-3247 if there is a concern about discrimination
based on age (40+), race, sex, marital status, national origin, religion,
or physical, sensory or mental handicap.
Here are the toll-free phone numbers for the Human Rights
Commission:
Olympia/Western Washington: 1-800-233-3247
Seattle/Western Washington: 1-800-605-7324
Yakima/Eastern Washington: 1-800-662-2755
Another agency to contact
about possible discrimination based on a violation of civil-rights
laws is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For a toll-free
connection to the nearest EEOC office, call 1-800-669-4000.
There are no state regulations addressing references. Workers may
consult with a private attorney regarding the possibility of a civil
suit, but L&I has no authority to accept complaints on this issue.