Workers' Rights

Workers are protected by laws and rules covering workers' wages, working conditions, overtime pay, and prevailing wage on public works construction projects.

Featured Content

Discrimination in the Workplace

Workers are entitled to protection from discrimination. L&I handles safety & health, wage & hour, and some other types of workplace discrimination.
Holiday, Vacation & Bereavement Leave

Washington State does not require employers to provide leave or pay for holidays, vacations, or bereavement.

Forms & Publications

What Are Your Rights When You Work for a Farm Labor Contractor?
F700-067-909 — (06/01/2018), Publication in English-Spanish
Pocket Guide to Worker Rights
F101-165-909 — (05/01/2023), Publication in English-Spanish
Overtime Rules Fact Sheet
F700-205-000 — (09/01/2022), Publication in English
View more Workers' Rights forms and publications

News & Events

December 27, 2022
Reminder: Raises for minimum wage workers, expanded rights for rideshare drivers, increased wage transparency for job seekers among new laws taking effect Jan. 1

TUMWATER — There are significant changes coming in January that impact workers around the state. 
March 27, 2023
Vancouver company owes more than $300,000 in pay and penalties for wage violations on school projects

TUMWATER – A Vancouver, Wash., contractor owes $201,223 in wages and interest to about 20 employees on construction projects at four area schools.
January 14, 2025
Vancouver house flippers fined for breaking asbestos removal rules

TUMWATER — Two Vancouver business owners are facing a combined $116,000 in fines for ignoring rules to protect workers, neighbors, and the environment from exposure to hazardous asbestos at a home-flipping site.
February 11, 2025
Making Things Happen for Workers: Gov. Ferguson, Department of Labor & Industries collecting $163K to repay O’Reilly Auto Parts employees for lost sick pay

OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries are returning lost earnings to more than 2,000 Washington workers at O’Reilly Auto Parts after an investigation revealed the retailer was unlawfully eliminating unused sick pay.

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